Sunday, April 22, 2012

friend.

I have learned and I have grown in this adult version of myself in many ways I wouldn't have predicted. Hurts and praises. Babies and death. Betrayal and love. In the last four years the path R.Jay and I ventured out on as newlyweds, over seven years ago, took a whole new route. Not a day goes by I don't count my blessings for that unclear, bumpy new route and one specific soul that crossed our family's new path.
See, I have this friend. A best friend. A friend I wondered for years if she might surface in my life. It almost feels too much. An incredible husband? Two beautiful, healthy, wonderful children? And now this amazing friend, Lord? Blessing overload. But I'll take it. Every bit of it. The good, the bad, and even the scary moments. Let me tell you why...
My friend is constant. In four years she hasn't let me down with this character trait. She holds her ground in her faith and in her family with a strength I sometimes envy.
She is loving. She gives far more often than she receives.
Her humility is catching and she wears a smile of transparency in her life. She's the real deal.
When she says she's praying for me. She really is. A lot.
She listens, deeply, when I vent and seems to always have that perfect response. Maybe that's because she also loves Jesus and listens to His voice in every matter. I think so.
She puts up with me. Let's face it, I never know just how I want my hair or what style I want to decorate with. But she's there, giving her input, letting me be me. Letting our differences shape us instead of letting them become a barrier. I have three sisters, who I love like crazy, that are stuck with me. (Hopefully this makes them happy!) This woman chooses to love me like a sister. No blood ties, no family history. Wow.
In all that wonderfulness about my friend, do you know the most wonderful reason why I love her so dearly? Here it is:
In everything she points me to Christ. She strengthens me with His truths and keeps me accountable in His love. Her every action points me to God and her words are ever challenging me to seek His face. Can there possibly be any better gift a friend could give?

So, because life is short, I wanted a few words out in the vast expanse so that people will now know and always know what an amazing friend I have. That my family is so blessed to share in Christ's love with her family.

Everyone should have a friend like that. Everyone.

Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Heather Dowling at 8:36 PM

1comments