Friends

The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends…Proverbs 14:20

As I drove to work this morning, I just praised God for the beautiful fall morning! It was Friday…the sun was shining…and I was looking forward to spending lots of time with family this weekend! It was a great start to my morning!

Often, my morning starts with a meeting in my office. It’s a great place to gather for those quick, but necessary meetings. I normally have my cell phone on my desk so I can easily take calls when necessary, but I do not accept calls during meetings. And when I am at work, I set my phone on vibrate so it does not interfere with work or interrupt meetings.

However, as I sat through my meeting on this particular morning, I could hear my phone vibrate repeatedly as one text after another was coming in. Obviously, my curiosity was piqued as I heard the repeated vibrating sound coming from my phone.

When my meeting ended, I was quite surprised to see 26 unread messages on my phone! The first text was from our dear friend and pastor’s wife, Leslie, to a group of ladies that have become near and dear to each other…true sisters in Christ! Her e-mail began with:

“Have each of “ewe” (Leslie calls every one lambs, so “ewe” is her word for you) on and in my heart this morning. Truly thankful for the bountiful blessing of friendship and the bond of sisterhood ….

Well, her sweet word of encouragement blessed each of our hearts, which began the nonstop number of texts sent back and forth between my dear sisters!

As I read through the numerous texts, I was filled a number of emotions. One minute I would have tears as I read their sweet words of encouragement…and then next minute I would be smiling and laughing at one of the funnier texts that was shared within the group!

Oh how I love these precious ladies! Not only is each of them beautiful outwardly, but also their inner beauty radiates from each of them! They truly reflect God’s glory and I’m honored and blessed to have these precious saints in my life!

It’s in these moments; I realize that I am indeed rich. No, I’m not rich by the world’s standards.  However, I have everything I need and actually, much more than I need. God has blessed me with a beautiful family and friends, and that is truly one of the greatest treasures on earth. His word states… The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends…Proverbs 14:20.

These precious ladies are some of my dearest friends! I can count on them to pray for my family and me…to reach out to me and others when needed…to minister Christ’s love…to truly be the tangible touch of Jesus Christ; not only to me, but also to everyone they meet!

My life is richer because each of them is a part of it! I am so blessed that we get “to do life together” in this season of our lives!!

Dear Heavenly Father…thank you for the gift of friendship! Thank you for blessing me with sisters in Christ! Thank you for the Godly example they are to me and every individual they meet. Lord, bless each one of them this day. Help me to be a good friend in return and to reflect your glory to every individual I meet each day as well!