Inspirational Friendship

A few years ago, on the campus of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I often saw Sarah, Patti, and Rachel together. Whether on the way to class, the library or the dining hall, they could be found talking happily or involved in deep discussion. Sarah and Patti met in their first semester and Rachel became friends with them a few years later. The three young women became the best of friends.

What was unusual about their friendship is that Sarah is visually impaired and Patti uses a wheelchair. Although she was unable to see, Sarah would often push Patti's wheelchair from class to class. Patti provided the eyes, Sarah the propulsion. Sometimes, Rachel provided direction and wheelchair power. Sarah helped Patti with her laundry, and Rachel and Patti both read to Sarah. According to Patti, Rachel was selfless in giving her friends the assistance they needed.

These three friends supported one another physically, emotionally, and spiritually, using their individual strengths to compensate for the weaknesses of the others. Perhaps the strongest element in their relationship was the spiritual support they gave one another. They had great devotional times together, encouraging and challenging one another to be more like Jesus.

(- this article was taken from Our Daily Journey's Jan 14 devotional material.-)

To me, they illustrated what Christian friendship is all about. It is demonstrated in generosity and kindness to others.

I John 3 : 18

Let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

It produces deep relationships and much needed companionship. It sees real needs and responds to them.

In giving, we receive.

In sacrificing, we are richly blessed.

In serving others, our own needs are met.

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Dear sis,

I do not know if you will read this post of mine. I was just reading your latest post on your latest blog. Patience u say. I know it's hard living with this family. I know sometimes, i give u a hard time too, especially in the past. I'm glad we've moved on to a better extend of our relationship, compared to how horrible it was in the past. I don't know if i've ever expressed my gratitude to you for being there for me whenever i needed a listening ear and an understanding, forgiving heart but i want you to know, that deep down in my heart, i really do treasure u; as my sister, and closest girlfriend. As i type this message, tears are flowing and i'm at work! darn it..but it doesn't matter. Anyway, i hope the article above relates and inspires you. We all have funny ways of expressing our love for one another. Sometimes, our actions do not reflect our intentions. Other times, we let anger, frustration and ego get their way. But through it all, let's be patient with one another. Romans 12:12; "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
And remember this. Ultimately, love is where God and family is.

With much love,

your fatty sister :)

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Dear Me,

This article is a good reminder to yourself. You've never experienced the kind of friendship that Sarah, Patti and Rachel have, but nonetheless, you do have some great friends who do not mind going the distance for u.

Friends who would go looking for a red dress with you because you need it ASAP;
friends who don't mind driving you around when u need to do certain chores;
friends who would come all the way to the mamak at your house just to hang out although it's 30 kilometres away;
friends who don't mind you crashing their house when you have nowhere else to go to kill time before an appointment;

friends who try their very best to cheer u up after u've done badly in an exam or test
friends who accommodate you and treat you with so much love and care when they have only known you for months;
friends who share their cooking recipes with you when you ask for it;
friends who would help you solve your craving of eating at a certain restaurant or a certain dish by bringing you there; and

friends who would take pictures with you for multiple tries just so you can settle on one with you looking the best...

You need to learn to give more, and expect less because in giving, we receive. And i'm glad that you've come to realise that for quite some time now. But i still believe there's room for improvement. I know there's a small part of you that wishes you belonged in a group of friends who would always call you out/do everything with you, but hey! isn't that being clique-ish? It may help you feel secure but it may also cause you to be dependent. You're an independent woman. Be content with what you have and don't give room for expectations to creep in cos disappointment might follow suit. You need to love yourself more. Focus on the good stuff of life, not the bad. Learn to love, and still be joyful about it even when others do not love you back. Have the courage to confront your friends when you know something's wrong somewhere. You really need to encourage and challenge one another to be more like Jesus, because that's what's expected of you. Be thankful and grateful at all times, especially for the little things of life that God has so blessed you with. Have faith it'll all work out, as long as you keep the good faith, perservere and continue to run the race.

Love,

Your ownself.