I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my father! John 15:15BI was talking with a friend the other day! It was one of those quick catch-up-in-10 conversations and somehow we got on the topic of friendship! This lady was one of those friends that you know God picked up and placed in your path. I was giving her a brief history lesson of my friendship career, explaining how it has been for the most part, challenging. My school years were tough and I always ended up getting the short end of the stick at recess or being the last to finish their mile.
To be honest...it’s still not the easiest to swallow.
I can’t remember the first time I began praying for true friendships, it seems like it’s always been a prayer request that was listed among the family.
-Dad
-Mom
-Siblings
-Grandparents
-Aunts & Uncles
-Friendships
Those years became a milestone for me and I can honestly say I’m grateful for them now. I remember opening the word of God and experiencing a love for Him that I maybe never would have if I had been pre-occupied. Was it lonely sometimes to walk in the door knowing there were things I wasn’t included in? Duhhh
But somehow instead of collecting bitterness for those who rejected me, I collected much more.
In the last year I have looked back and seen God’s hand of grace on my life revealed in some friendships I have grown. Friendships that I never sought out or expected. Friendships that surpass any 12 year old kindred spirit dream I always wanted. They’re genuine and each one uniquely special. And when I think of them I can’t help but smile and realize how rare it is.
I guess in this blog post I want to encourage you of two things. 1. I was never completely without a friend. Those years that were tough I grew a friendship with my Heavenly Father that I would never give up. 2. Your prayers are never forgotten. They may seem to you to have gotten lost in translation but there is never a bad connection to Heaven dear girl!
He really did see the tears on the play ground, He really did hear the prayers after school and He really does still care for every moment you were ever left out, forgotten or hurt and He’s never had a reputation to leave one lonely.
You may not see Him but He is with you, whenever and wherever you are.
Your friend e❤️