On the Potter’s Wheel
‘Tis the Season to be
Thankful for
Good Friends
By: Sharon Judie
N
ovember
marks
the
beginning of the holiday
season, which is my
favorite time of the year. It
may be my imagination, but
people seem to be kinder and friendlier
during the last couple of months of
the year. The sights and sounds of the
season make everything more festive.
Unfortunately though for many, the onset
of the holidays can cast a shadow of
painful sadness as their thoughts turn to
special times spent with loved ones who
have passed away. Joy can unexpectedly
give way to grief or loneliness. Having
solid relationships with those who can
encourage you and help pull you back
from the brink of despair is important
this time of the year.
I recently attended my high school
reunion and I had a great time
reconnecting with long-lost friends and
sharing laughs and tears as we discussed
our life journeys since graduation. Several
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of my classmates have already buried
their parents, spouses and siblings (and
some had lost children due to illness
or accidents) and a handful have been
stricken with chronic illnesses. Many
shared that they didn’t realize the inner
strength they possessed until tragedy
struck. The overarching theme was
that through the good and the not-sogood times they found many reasons to
be thankful, and at the top of that list
was the support that they had received
from close friends during their times
of calamity. I haven’t experienced the
death of a close family member, but I’ve
encouraged friends who have walked
that road and I am confident that these
same friends will walk with me when
difficulty comes to my doorstep. We are
reminded of the principle of reaping and
sowing in Luke 6:31, “As you wish that
others would do to you, do so to them.”
I learned to value friendships as a child
because my dad was in the military and
we moved often. Many of the friendships
that I enjoy today are with people that
I’ve known some childhood. After my
class reunion, I began to reflect on how
blessed I am with my circle of friends.
There are times when one of us gets
busy and doesn’t call for a while, but we
don’t react harshly. We show grace to one
another and forgive one another. The
Lord often reminds me that my friends
need to know they can depend on me as
much as I know I can depend on them.
It’s becoming clear to me that my friends
are perfect reflections of what I see in
God: love, patience and grace.
I believe that each one of my friends
was handpicked by God, specifically for
me and I am humbled and thankful. They
challenge me to be a better person; they
lovingly tell me to “knock it off” when
I’m making a mountain out of a molehill
and most importantly they value me and
what I bring to our friendship.
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