Give Thanks For Friends

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family” (Proverbs 18:24)

Several years ago, my family and I were on a vacation with some good friends.  Normally if I am gone over a weekend, I actually take the weekend off and don’t “preach.”  This particular weekend, however (and with these particular friends), I was inspired to write a short devotional for our time together based on the word “FRIENDS.”  I want to share it with you now:

God gives us F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for...

Fellowship - simply “to be” with; they are people with whom we do not to have to “put on airs” or be anything but our true selves.

Refreshment - from the challenges and hurts of life; they help refresh our hearts, souls, and spirits.

Inspiration - they inspire our hearts and minds and inspire/challenge us to be and do our best.

Enjoyment - we enjoy them for their own sake, rather than for what we think that they can do for us or give to us.

Nostalgia  -- they help us remember who we are and whose we are in God.

Dreaming - friends help us to have and to remember that there is always hope for the future, no matter how bad or challenging the present might seem.

Safety / safe place - true friends are “safe people” both to talk to and be with; we can “be ourselves” around them without fear of gossip or ridicule.

This week, why not give thanks to God for the friends of your life.  Find a way to tell them how you feel -- send them a note, email, card, e-card, text, etc.  And remember, God (your very greatest friend!) loves you and I do, too!