Five Minute Friday: Friend

Five minute Friday.
Write. Don't check, or edit, just write for the pure love of it.
The prompt is FRIEND

I had a card from a friend today.
We started as colleagues.
Our paths crossed a few times.
But over the past year she has become a friend.

And as a friend
She knew what this weekend meant for us.
She remembered.
She acted.

But friends are all different aren't they?
Over the past 12 months our friends have been:

Some practical
Some ever-present
Some prayerful
Some encouraging
Some business as usual
Some helpless
Some distant
And sadly, some very noticeable by their absence.

I don't blame them
It's not been easy to be our friend this year.

But I thank God for all of them
And pray that the absent ones are not gone forever.

I'm also challenged.
"If you want a friend, be a friend"
The saying goes.

I pray my friends will always know where to come.
And if not, that I'll meet them where they are.
And when I fail as a friend
As I often do
That God will remind me of how blessed I am
And help me to reach out.

Comments

Unknown said…
Hello, I'm stopping over from Five Minute Friday. I love this post... it's a bit sad - but sometimes there are sad times with friends (as you've written above). One thing that stuck out for me was the saying "If you want a friend, be a friend." I've recently felt the urge (probably by God) to befriend a certain woman in our church. She's a wonderful Godly woman and I just really want to get to know her better, but don't know how to go about it. But you just told me! If you want a friend, be a friend! I think I'll just start by... being a friend! Thanks and God bless!
26 April 2013 at 10:32
Denise said…
Such a heart filled post, bless you.
26 April 2013 at 11:57
Karen Sandford said…
Thank you to both of you!
It has been a sad time with lots of bereavement, but God has sent lots of friends along.
26 April 2013 at 14:09
Unknown said…
It takes tough times to show us who is really there sometimes.. but someone said to me recently that it's not about having a lot of friends - but a few good ones. Just a couple. And it sounds like you have a few wonderful friends. And isn't it lovely to receive a card from a friend who knows and cares? I don't know what the significance of this weekend is for you, but will be praying you know peace throughout. Lots of love x
26 April 2013 at 14:12
Karen Sandford said…
Thanks Ruth.
We lost three parents and a grandparent in 4 months last year.
This Sunday is the anniversary of the first two.
We're not dwelling on it but it hurts to remember the turmoil and devastation.
Prayers for peace would be great. Thanks x
26 April 2013 at 14:27
Anonymous said…
You have always been one of those friends where we just pick up where we left off - even though we don't see each other very often! Thank you :-) Holding you in prayer - big hugs ! Ann x
26 April 2013 at 17:08
Anonymous said…
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Karen, you're such an inspiration and everyone can Jesus in you. You bless and influence all those who have the honour of meeting you. Julie Fxxx
26 April 2013 at 20:26
Brie said…
"Know where to come or meet them where they are"- this is exactly how I want to be a friend. Beautifully written!
27 April 2013 at 18:54
Thoughts for the day said…
Friendships are precious. They are gifts we can give to each other and they are also our best encouragers and prayer warriors.
27 April 2013 at 20:41
Our Stories God's Glory said…
Oh I've had my pity parties and felt friendless...but too true, if you want a friend be a friend. And friends disappoint and we as friends disappoint. Forgiveness is key in any long-term relationship. Right? Blessings!
29 April 2013 at 02:52
Karen Sandford said…
It wasn't a pity party. And I never feel friendless thankfully. The point was that friends behave differently at different times. As I wrote in my post I'm sure I disappoint often, there's no blame. Thank you!
29 April 2013 at 19:52
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