I heard myself say today, “God always supplies our needs.” I was talking about a financial need for the ministry in which I work, but my words came back to me this afternoon when I got home from work. But for a different situation.
These past three weeks have been very difficult for me. For months, I haven’t felt well, so I’ve been going to different doctors and having a variety of tests. Now I’m waiting for the results of my most recent test. Waiting. And waiting. I’m weary.
I needed encouragment today. God suppled that need. Two of my college roommates reached out to me–one with a card and one through a text. Small things, maybe, but not today. Those two friends held me up without even knowing it.
They were the bookends I needed.
Life isn’t always easy, and over the years, I’ve realized I sometimes need others to stand with me, be with me, work with me, cry with me, laugh with me, and just hang out on the shelf called life with me. I have them throughout my life–they weave through my days like different colored threads that make my tapestry of friends.
Who are your bookends?
I’m sure you have them, those who come alongside you when you need them. As I told my daughter when she was younger, “To have a good friend, you need to be a good friend.” The same is true with bookends. To have them you need to be one!
Thank the Lord for these friends, and ask Him to make you aware of others around you who may need you to stand beside them.
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken,”
(Eccl. 4:12 ESV).
Featured photo Image by Мария Ткачук from Pixabay
I’m praying for good news for your recent medical tests, Beth. Thanks for sharing your heart during this difficult time. I agree we need to cultivate and nurture our friendships. In times like these, it’s easy to hide away from supportive circles of friends or extended family. We keep our struggles, fears, or concerns to ourselves. I hope to be more mindful of the Holy Spirit’s gentle prodding for us to be an encouragers. Thanks for this beautifully written reminder; true friends are like bookends and they’re the most colorful treads in our lives.