Scripture –

Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity.  Proverbs 18:24 – …but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Friendship – Steadfastly loyal, to whom one can depend at all times, intimate,
faithful to help in need, trustworthy, comforter…

Friendship

Looking back in my childhood and teen years, I have often wondered what has happened to several people who came across my path as friends. I have several junior high and high school friends I hardly ever see, possibly because we are so busy with our families and our own lives. However, when we do get together we still have not lost our love and bond of friendship for each other.

One person I considered a friend, but lost contact with in my teen years by his choice.  I remembered his sense of humor when I needed to smile and laugh during some trying times growing up.  I also remembered at a young age he was diagnosed with diabetes.  Through the years I attempted to call him once, but was unable to connect. Several times I would check the phone book to see if his name was still posted with an address (just checking).  Several times, I often wondered why the Lord left that door open through all those years.  Yet, I knew it was for his purpose to reveal that to me in his timing.

A few years ago the Lord pressed it on my heart to write this person a letter.  After putting it on hold for several months, I was finally obedient to the Lord’s prompting and ever-increasing nudge. Not wanting to be intrusive, I wrote a friendly letter to see how he was, asking if he had a family and what was going on in his life.  To my surprise, my long-lost friend responded to my letter.

I realized the Lord left that door open for several reasons. Since we reconnected the Lord has allowed understanding, healing and closure to questions I had, which needed to be answered.  My dear friend can still make me smile and laugh with his sense of humor. But, much deeper than that, I was encouraged to find out he is a Christian, too.

As an amputee, he struggles and endures daily pain from the prosthesis that does not always fit due to muscle loss. He has to be concerned with infection to his other foot,  to be constantly watching since he cannot feel the pain. He struggles with blood sugar levels,  the highs and lows of depression from that, a kidney transplant and loneliness.  A restricted income only adds to the adverse situation.

So many times through the years, I have been humbled by his faith to persevere in adversity, opposition and discouragement.  His lifetime struggle with diabetes brought me to tearful shame in my heart and repentance before the Lord. I often ask the question why others suffer so much during their life-time.  Yet, still have such a strong faith in the Lord.  No, it is not a perfect faith, but a steady and assured faith. It is one that has allowed me to see one’s brokenness and despair when it seems all hope is lost, yet finding deep within himself the ability to continue to praise the Lord for who he is – not only for the blessings the Lord pours out into one’s life.

I’m not quite sure if it’s appropriate to say thank you to my dear friend for his example of faith when it has been built on so many struggles and trials.  It is a thank you that has brought me closer to the Lord in personal spiritual growth and a deeper desire to understand the new command given by Christ.

John 13:34 – A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Blessed

How many days go by without extending to friends how their lives or words of encouragement changed our lives, opened new doors to better understand ourselves or how their loving criticism added to our spiritual growth.

This is my personal thank you to my dear friends (and family) who have done just that for me!

You know who you are.  I have been richly blessed by the Lord allowing our steps to follow along the same path on our journey, which has been a wonderful adventure only he could orchestrate.

As the year 2012 closes, bless you and thank you!

Happy New Year!