When I think of friendship I usually tend to think more of the fun and positive times shared with my friends. Those times filled with laughter and impish acts.
Those are fun, for sure. However, they are not the times that deepen our friendships. When all is smooth sailing and just fun we do not have an opportunity to care on a deeper level.
I received an email this morning from a friend who is going through some very rough waters. Her father is very ill with a brain injury caused by a stroke. Her husband's father passed away recently and she is overwhelmed by grief and sadness. Her children are struggling. Boy, does that bring a lot of stuff back.
Being her friend, I want to help carry that burden. I shot an email back to let her know that I am here to listen, help or just cry with her. That is what I can do at this point. God will have to be the one to hold her up. Help her through this horrible time.
One does wonder in cases like these why God allows someone to linger when they are no longer in touch with the world around them...but we have to trust that His will and His plan are so much bigger and better than we can possibly understand.
I know it is hard to be a burden sharer...but your friendships will be richer for it.
I encourage you today to be available for that friend who is struggling. When you don't know what to say...don't worry about it. Just be there with a hug and a listening ear. Maybe a meal...definitely a prayer.
Friendship's Burden.
God's Grace in another person's life.
♥♥Becky K.♥♥
6 comments:
Good Morning sweet Becky,
How right you are, friendships will deepen and strengthen oft-time's through the difficult times in our live's.
I will be lifting up your friend in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing this today.
Hope & Pray ur CHIRSTmas was wonderful.
Love & Prayers,
Ronda
You are doing great. This is what I would want of my friend, too. I also wouldn't mind a warm chocolate treat, either!
Wow, you seem to post just what i need to hear sometimes!
Thanks for the reminder. I have a friend right now who needs encouragement and sometimes I'm not sure what to say or do. But I can let her know i'm there to listen and pray. You're right God will be the one to hold her up.
Getting to the level to share and bear one anothers burden, brings a friendship to a depth not shared by just the fun stuff!
This is Christianity lived out - sharing grief, praying for one another, encouragement...
Great post Becky. There are many times when you just dont know what to do or say, but offering a hug and listening ear can make all the difference in what someone is going through.
I am so glad you stopped over for a visit. Wonderful and wise words about friendship. It truly is the tests in life that draw us closer in our relationships. I am very blessed to have two such friends as you have described. I will lift up your friend in prayer.
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