John 15:12-13 (NIV): “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this.”
Recently, I had foot surgery. When the surgeon told me I would have to be off of my foot for six weeks, keep the foot elevated, no weight on the foot, and no driving, I wondered what I would do to manage this situation. May I say that my dear friends responded immediately. Beginning with taking me to the surgery, repeat doctor’s appointments, helping around the house, preparing meals, and spending some nights with me which included lots of girl talk. As the weeks progressed, with my friend’s being my transportation, I was able to go out for a few lunches, dinners, see a couple of movies, do a little grocery shopping, and begin rehearsals with my senior citizen choir, the Golden Heirs.
Getting in and out of the house was always a hoot! Just try not placing any weight on your foot while you are going up and down steps. It was quite a laughable time. Laughter with friends certainly makes for a happy heart.
As I have reflected upon these weeks, I can only thank God for such loving, kind, and caring friends. The greatest evidence of true friendship is love at all times. In I John 4:7 (King James); Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is of God, and knowth God.
The following words by William Arthur Ward describes the true meaning of a lasting friendship.
From: Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life
By: Barbara Johnson
A friend is one who: is not hard to find when you are penniless.
makes your grief less painful, your adversity more bearable.
joyfully sings with you when you are on the mountaintop, and silently walks beside you through the valley.
you are comfortable with, you are loyal to, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful.
warms you by her presence.
trusts you with her secrets.
remembers you in her prayers.
gives you a spark of assurance when you doubt your ability to fulfill you aspiration or reach your goal.
helps you bridge the gaps between loneliness/ fellowship; frustration/ confidence; despair/ hope; setbacks/ success.
is available to you, understanding of you, and patient with you.
is someone who listens.
A friend is no less a gift from God than is a talent, no less a treasure than life itself.
May our lives be filled with very special true lasting friendships.
By: Pam Jackson
Knoxville, TN