TRUE FRIENDS

ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.


The world we live in can be harsh and unwelcoming, intolerant of our mistakes. God knew we would need friends to encourage us along the way. He knew we would need others to laugh with, sing with, and dream with. He knew we would need comfort and support and loving-kindness. Cherish your friends, hold them close. They are very special people, for they do God's work in your life.

Let's face it, a good friend, can make all the difference in your life. You don't have to have A LOT of friends, just true ones. I can remember telling Melody when she was beginning high school not to fall into the trap of "trying" to be popular. Pleasing people and wanting others to like you is something that while understandable, ends up being a chain around your neck and sure recipe to lose yourself in the process. It might end up finding you with LOTS of people always around, but NO real friends. Find people you can be yourself around, and who think and feel like you do, and then BE a friend to them. Over the course of my life I have been blessed by many "true" friends and kindred spirits and most of whom I have stayed friends with over the course of many, many years. I have two friends in my life who have been my friends since we were just 9 years old. I cherish these women and we have seen each other through all the ups and downs of life. I can count on them to love me unconditionally and that's how I love them. I have 3 sisters who are my very best friends in the world as well, and our connection through the bonds of family makes us truly inseparable. My husband became my very best friend from practically the day I met him, and whatever in the world I would do without I never want to know. When I add on my mother, who’s always been one of my best supporters, my wonderful daughter-in-laws, my sons, and my daughter Melody, you can see how rich my life has always been in the area of friends. I have numerous other women who while they may not play as large a role as the other women I mention here, have also blessed me beyond my wildest hopes. But in this last year I have also added the women I have met here in blogland, and now my cup truly runneth over. I have only actually met a few of you face to face (Kristi, Kris, and Maryrose ~ Genn, I KNOW we will meet soon) but it really doesn't matter. I look forward to reading what is going on in your lives and love to turn on the computer and see your comments to me, encouraging me and feeling your interest and support. I've laughed and cried and prayed with you all. Yes, I thank God for friends, and for His knowledge of just how important they are in our lives. I am so grateful for the many dear women in my life that I can call my friend. What a wonderful way to experience life; full of caring, supportive people who are always there for me. May He richly bless you all.

I love this poem by Helen Steiner Rice which just sums this all up sooo nicely...

Gold is cold and lifeless,
It cannot see nor hear,
And in your times of trouble,
It is powerless to cheer.
It has no ears to listen,
No heart to understand.
It cannot bring you comfort
Or reach out a helping hand.
So when you ask God for a gift,
Be thankful that He sends,
Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,
But the love of a real, true friend

To read the other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE.