Think about the people in your life. How many of them are your friends?
As people come into our lives, we open up our hearts for a reason…some stay for a season, while others stay for a lifetime. A true friendship is one of the greatest treasures in life. Where would you be without friends?
Henri Nouwen wrote, “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”
I honestly would not be the person that I am today without the friends I’ve had in my life. During a time where my passion and energy for ministry was at its lowest point, I opened up and confided in my friend Sid, explaining how the everyday challenges of leading a church had worn me down. That the joy of helping people had turned into a burden.
“Pablo, the passion does come back. God will renew your energy. The fire will return for ministry.” I did not believe him. After all, Sid and I were worlds apart, in age, education and backgrounds. When I continued feeling at my lowest, it was Sid’s words that replayed in my mind giving me the hope I needed.
He was right! In time God restored my energy and more importantly…my passion for ministry.
Someone once said, “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” Sid was the one who walked in. He was the friend I needed at the time.
People come into our lives for a reason. Some stay for a season and a few for a life time. Where would we be without the people who lift us up when we need it the most? Who did God send your way when you needed a warm and tender hand? Share your story.
Prayer: Lord, teach me how to walk with my friends in their darkest moment and send the friends I need for this season of my life.
