Good morning! It's Thursday! I shared this picture six years ago not knowing I only had 10 days left with my beloved husband.

It's shocking to me to see some of my posts pre-tragedy and realize I had no idea how true and REAL they would become. Though this statement was true then and it's true today I now know the depth to which it is true.
Through the power of friends, their prayers, their love, their steadfastness, their silence when no words would help and their words of love and care and kindness in perfect timing healing took place. God's perfectly placed blessings. Only God....friends, my biggest cheerleaders, my comforters, my prayer warriors.....
I will never forget (brings me to tears to this day) that day when I was so broken, so sick, literally starving and friends stood in my kitchen and chanted, CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! as I downed an Ensure. Then they cheered and clapped for my success. Those were terrifically hard times but they stood. Stood in the strength of Jesus for ME. I could never begin to repay that level of immense support. But I'm ever grateful for them.
I also remember someone asking, "what can we do?" I said, "please keep coming...even if it's looks like I'm better" and they did then and still do to this day. The bonds between us have strengthened and life long friendships are sealed.
Every time a gentle breeze flows through my wind chimes I am reminded how friends loved me. Gifts arriving in the mail, pictures, blankets (some from those I've never met in person but have developed lasting cyber friendships)...all displayed as memories of how I've been loved well.
Advice? In a busy world when time is short and things get crazy... don't push your friends to last on your long to do list. Will good friends understand? Of course. That is one of the blessings of great friendships. But even better...ask for help, form a network, a support system.....LEARN (because, for women, it's not natural) to ask for help. After all that my friends have given to me sometimes it's hard for me to ask for more. Surely I've used up my lot....but that is wrong thinking!!!
Just last night I had dinner with a friend. She said something funny just as I took a drink of water and I spit my water right out. This morning as I was writing in my gratitude journal , entry # 140 says - "water spitting laughter". It's been a long time since I've experienced that kind of laughter. A gift she's given just by taking time from her busy life to, probably unknowingly, pour blessings into mine. A friend. .willing to walk a tough journey with me.
I love this scripture:
Intentional - done on purpose; deliberate.
* Picking up the phone
* Sending an email
* Shooting off a text
* Mailing a card
* Carving out time for coffee, lunch, dinner, a walk
* Keeping in touch, in tune
* Being supportive
* Being available
And when hard times come.... God's Word says "in this world you WILL have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world"....the system is set in place, rock solid and hearts will be served and healed in the most beautiful organic ways.
I sit here this morning, tears streaming down my cheeks, praising God for my friends. Words can never truly convey the depth of love and gratitude I have in my heart for all of them.
Be intentional.
Bless and be blessed today.
Be the hands and feet of Jesus.
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