by Janet Schultz
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to pick him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
I started thinking about friends today. What would my life have been if I didn’t have any?
My wedding would have been very small without those Best Friends next to me who loved and supported me thru my younger years. Also in celebrating special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, the births of my children, and the sad times we all go through.
My friend’s children wouldn’t have been around to play with my little ones and teach them the joys of friendship.
My friends wouldn’t have been there for support I needed throughout the years.
My friends wouldn’t have been praying for me when I needed prayer.
God tells us we need friends.
Do you go to church every week and you’re still struggling with something that’s causing you a lot of pain? Yet to your church community you pretend everything is ok? Your church community doesn’t want that and is there to help you. Get into a small group or talk to someone who can help you. There are friends here for you!
We all should have many types of friends, our old and dear Golden friends that maybe we don’t see often, church friends we only see at church, but are there for us when we need prayer, our church small group, social friends, casual friends we see at the grocery stores and say hi, and most importantly our close inner circle of friends we see often.
I have been blessed with amazing friends in all those categories.
Two examples of how my friends have been there for me. One year my daughter’s family was coming down to visit and we had rented a place on Sanibel. Our plans changed and I had to stay in Chicago during the first week of vacation because my Mom was very ill and almost died. My friend Lynn came to the rescue making casseroles and desserts and shopped to help Ed out and get ready for our kids. I was able to be where I needed to be.
Another friend Linda was who I would call when I needed to just cry. My sister was dying and sometimes it was just overwhelming. I would call Linda, she would say hello, and I would cry until I could talk. Then we would talk about things. She was there with me during the happy event of my Moms baptism at age 94 and also her funeral.
We all need our girl friends! During a trip to Sanibel with two friends we decided to have Mimosa’s and Oreo cookies for breakfast. It was delicious. Another night we decided on ice cream for dinner. Nope, ice cream isn’t enough for dinner, so we had to order a pizza. Oh and the BEACH; the best place to talk and relax. It was crazy, it was fun, and a once in a lifetime gift of friendship.
I’m also lucky to have my husband as a best friend. He is always there for me and I am blessed to have him as my partner.
It’s also very important that you are a good friend. Don’t wait until your friends ask for help, anticipate their needs, and do whatever it takes. A good example is I have a very dear elderly friend whose husband is in home care and very ill. I reached out to her to bring meals and she said: no we are fine. I called the next week and said I’m bringing over dinner and she said: oh you don’t have to, but thank you. I bring her food once or twice a week now and others have started to help. She’s so grateful and it’s so easy to help her. Sometimes you know their needs more than they do.
Remember if you don’t have friends in your life, please get into a small group and change that. God does not want us to be alone. Share with your small group, reach out and start making friends.
Remember God tells us we need friends.
Friends are a rare jewel, cherish your memories and time with them.
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
Proverbs 27:9 NLT
Janet Schultz is an amazing woman with a gift and passion for hospitality. She loves, gives and makes making breakfast for 200 people look effortless. She always has a smile on her face and brings joy with her everywhere she goes.