Friends

This is a quick sketch of some little people who were running around in my head today.  They seem to be best friends.  I'm sure they share fun and games and scrapes and squabbles as well.

I have been praying intensely for some friends this week.  One in California whose family was in the path of the wildfires.  Today a friend in Boulder, Colorado, had to evacuate because the flood waters are rising near her home.  Another friend is seeking employment, another friend is in last stages of cancer, one's little boy just had 2 brain surgeries in one week, and the list goes on as I'm sure does yours.

We grieve with friends and we celebrate.  We are refreshed by friends. Friends are so important to our soul.   It is written that David loved Jonathan as his own soul - that their souls were knit as one (1 Samuel 18:1).  I have only had a few close friends, but time, distance and moving has intervened in those friendships.  Yet when we have opportunity to talk it is as tho' we begin where we last were.

A true friend can keep you in check and even kindly point our your error.    "Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend " (Proverbs 27:17).

Celebrations are not complete without friends.  The woman who lost a piece of silver called her friends to celebrate when she found it  (Luke 15:8-10). 

Jesus reflected that "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).  Several of my friends and a cousin have children in the military.  One has been to Iraq three times, and one is currently serving in Afghanistan.  You may not know them specifically - but they are my friends in need of prayer.

The greatest friend of all has already laid down His life for us.  And He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).  Jesus desires to be your friend, to give you comfort, encouragement, counsel, to share your joy and your sorrow.  Draw near to Him and celebrate His friendship.  Share your worries, your triumphs, your prayers for your friends and your love.  

Celebrate your friendships today.

Laura