Friends
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Proverbs 27:9, NIV
Alex, Poppy and I recently returned to England to spend some time with our parents and managed to see just a couple of dear friends too.
As I sat at the kitchen table of my childhood friend, surrounded by the clutter necessitated by the presence of three small children and ambitious home cooking, we talked about our lives, our families and our work for hours while pottering around with our little ones.
As she offered me gentle and wise counsel, I felt my heart swell and my spirit lifted – our three years of time apart mattered less because of the joys of modern technology, but also because of our 26 years of friendship! I was so grateful for the advice that challenged me, but was delivered with a great sense of timing, and with such love.
It is such a blessing to have friends who offer heartfelt advice that can bring insight to situations or to one’s own character, flaws and behavior, and for friends who also show us how to follow Jesus more closely or show us how to work out our faith in practical ways, more carefully and diligently. As I reflect on this special time with a few close friends whom I see rarely, I am grateful for all that they teach me. I wonder today how God would use me to be a better friend to others – more present, heartfelt, encouraging and honest – that it would be like a beautiful perfume, or as the custodian of a wayward beagle and small child, like the aroma of good coffee after a night of little sleep!
A Prayer for Today
Loving God, I pray for grace to be a good friend. May I be a gentle presence in the life of my friends, ever willing to listen, to forgive and to extend hospitality. Give me the discipline to take time to celebrate those precious to me. I pray this in the name of Jesus, who knows what it is to show great friendship. Amen.
