Mary arrived at the hospital after Mom came out of surgery. Seeing a familiar face felt so reassuring. I threw my arms around my friend. I knew I could walk through this because I wasn't walking alone. Mary drove nearly two hours to be with me in Seattle. After her work shift, she loaded a cooler with bottled water, juices, fruits, and other snacks for us to enjoy at the hotel. She even tucked in a Starbucks gift card. Her presence meant the world to me.
Our friendship spans more than 30 years. We've walked a lot of roads together...weathered the storms of our husbands' battles with alcoholism... rejoiced with their sobriety...grieved over losses--parents, jobs, pets...celebrated weddings and births. We've shared life together and carried each other's burdens. I don't know where I'd be today without friends like Mary. I believe one of God's most gracious gifts is the gift of friends.
Through the years, as I've been on the receiving end of a friend's kindness, I've asked myself, what kind of friend am I? How can I be a better friend?
Lord, help me to be:
- The friend who thinks of others and anticipates their needs.
- The friend who is generous with her time.
- The friend who is honest and loves you enough to tell you the truth.
- The friend who loves and accepts you no matter what.
I've been blessed to have more than one friend like Mary. I pray you also have known the love of such a caring friend. No one can do life alone. God designed us to need one another.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work.
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
I would love to hear how a friend has made all the difference in your life!
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