True Friends

The last six weeks have been fairly challenging with an extra heavy workload thanks to the Olympics and the US Open, family and friend commitments, and projects out and about town, which all summed up to equal a whole lot more stress.

Through it all, I’ve learned (at least!) two things.

(1) To paraphrase John Newton, I’m a great sinner, but God is a great Savior. Despite all the mistakes I’ve made, God has still shown Himself strong on my behalf. His faithfulness is renewed daily, and His grace is always sufficient. “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” Lamentations 3:21-25

(2) I have learned that God has blessed me with incredible family and friends. I’m so grateful to my family for their love and support, and they have shown me so much unconditional love.

Over the past several weeks, I have also had a chance to get to know many of my close friends even better as we have worked, played, grieved, prayed, and laughed together. I have made so many memories over the last few weeks as we have shared many lunch and dessert meets, Wal-Mart and Kroger runs during conferences, pizza and movie parties, excellent times of prayer and Bible study, and late, late-night girl talks. Each of you holds a special place in my heart, and I am so grateful for your encouragement and love! Thank you!!!

This list sums up my close friends perfectly!

A good friend will tell you what you want to hear.
A true friend will always tell the truth.

A good friend will bail you out of prison.
A true friend will be sitting next to you in prison.

A good friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A true friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A good friend brings a cake to your party.
A true friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A good friend knows a few things about you.
A true friend could write a book with direct quotes from you.

A good friend hates it when you call after they’ve gone to bed.
A true friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A good friend has your number on speed dial.
A true friend has your number memorized.

A good friend wonders about your past.
A true friend could blackmail you with it.

A good friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A true friend opens your refrigerator and helps herself.

A good friend has never seen you cry.
A true friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A good friend doesn’t know your parents’ first names.
A true friend has their phone numbers in her address book.

A good friend expects you to always be there for them.
A true friend expects to always be there for you.

A good friend is someone you enjoy hanging out with.
A true friend is someone you need.