Friends

Last time I talked a little about some things we can be grateful for. Something else I am truly grateful for is friends! I still remember a time when I didn't really have any friends and now I don't know what I'd do without the group of people around me from all different walks of life whom I love and care for.

I remember when I didn't really have any friends I didn't understand what it was to have a good friend. Someone who you can talk to, about anything, for almost any length of time. Someone you like and love and care for. You put up with things from them that might normally annoy you. And you genuinely care what happens to them, and what's going on in their lives. You try to be there for them and offer guiding advice or a shoulder to cry on if it is needed.

Not only is it this giving of yourself for them but being able to graciously receive it as well. I don't know about you but I often find it difficult to receive things and really dislike being the centre of attention. Being a friend you often do things you might not like the best to spend time with them but also accept the things which they are giving to you. Whether it be advice, or time, or chocolate, or surprises.

When God created us, he created Adam, and then Eve, and they lived in a garden with God. We were created to be in relationship with others. In this way we were made for friendships and as such we often thrive much more when in the company of others.

Of my friends the thing I am most thankful for is their friendship. My question for you is what do you think makes a friend, a friend?

God Bless

Grateful

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Missed a week in there. This weekend has been great catching up a little with family I don't always spend a lot of time with.

Isn't it interesting what different things people notice about you? And how it is so often closely associated with what has changed since the last time they saw you. Now, this makes sense, but it also really highlights how infrequently you do see some people. One of my nieces whom I saw this weekend noticed my blue hair. I could have sworn that I had seen her at least once in the last nine months, but apparently, no.

 

Time really slips away from us sometimes. But at the same time I am sometimes grateful for those long absences as these people can point out things about yourself that have changed that you or others close to you might not have noticed.

We are always changing in some degree, often to our circumstances. I know at the moment I am changing in more ways than one but I cannot pin point what those changes are. Perhaps someone else I see one day might be able to point them out to me.

This is just one thing I am grateful for from those around me. What are you grateful for from those around you?

Not Enough

You know sometimes we don't have much to say. This is sometimes because we have used too many words already that we've run out it seems, or it is because words in themselves are just never going to be enough. You know that feeling when you are able to just sit quietly in companionship with another without saying or doing anything and not feel like you need to. I pray that you may all know and have this.

My question to you is what kind of relationships do you have?

 

God Bless.

Real Fairytale

I found myself in a predicament today where my car ran out of fuel and broke down at an intersection in the suburbs. After thinking for a little bit I decided  not to call the RAA as it would be faster just to get some more fuel myself. So I ran across the road and asked someone for help but they were unable and pointed me up the road. On my way up an officer stopped me to find out what was happening and then called for the police to help with the build up of traffic before dropping me off a little further up the road to find some help. Quite kind of him. I asked a second, third, and fourth person for help however none were able. Finally I came to a workshop and explained my predicament yet again and an older man there said that he would take the time off to give me a hand.

In the brief time I had getting to know this character I was encouraged so much. What has happened to such hospitality and generosity? How many would be willing to drop what they are doing to help out another in this day and age where time means everything?

A larrikin who lightens the mood and makes you laugh. A godly man who's had his lot in life. A family man who speaks warmly and lovingly of his mother and mother-in-law. An individual with his own character and a different hat for each day of the week.. Monday, Tuesday, ..., Sunday, and Someday - in case he is not sure which day it is. A man who asks for nothing in return and offers to do more than that which is asked. In his own words he is the knight or prince in shining armour come to sweep the damsel in distress up onto his galloping horse.

I told him that it was my adventure for the day but I didn't mean the whole thing, I meant meeting him. It was a humble reminder of what it means to live out our lives for God. How such a small action on our behalf can make such a huge difference to another. While I was only with him for 15-20 minutes I will probably never forget the kindly gentleman who helped me out this morning, although he says he is no gentleman.. 'I'm too old to be a gentleman' ..I would beg to differ.

This I pray. That young people today would continue to turn to and learn from the older generation. That we may be able to live our lives for him in faithful service and proclamation. That we may always remember the small things do matter. That we may take the time out and give a helping hand when it's needed and take thanks and criticism humbly when it's given. That we may not be afraid to be ourselves or be above asking for help when we need it. That others may see God shining through us even from a brief encounter. And ultimately that Jesus is our prince in shining armour, always there to pick us up.