Thursday I glanced down the stairs and saw Ellie and Jake sitting on the bottom step. They each had a book in their lap and were being very quiet (yes, that's why I was checking -quiet toddlers ???) They have on their princess shoes and Ellie has a big old purse. They have toys and were speaking toddler to each other.
Trying to catch both busy kids in focus at once is next to impossible with my point and shoot camera. But the thought came to me that I really hope this friendship lasts for many many years. Which got me thinking about friendship. An Arabian proverb says: "A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one's heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away." I am grateful for my friends. I have one, Gloria, who makes the effort to keep in touch with her friends. I appreciate that she reaches out and makes the phone call to get us together. Sometimes we take friends for granted and then in the business of everyday life- we don't keep in touch and then we are strangers. What do we have that keeps us connected then? During my growing up years, when 'acquaintance friends' come and go very quickly, my wise mother would say "Friends will come and go, but your family will always be there for you." I am grateful for that wisdom, because my family are counted among my closest friends. Our children too, are my friends. How sweet it is to be able to appreciate their talents and respect their opinions. And share our joys.
Which brings me to thoughts of our greatest friend, the Savior. I am always amazed at how often in scripture he refers to those around him, and thus to us, as his friends. Look at John 15: 13,14,15. "I have called you friends; for all thing that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you...You are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you... Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends..."
Like these fuzzy kids, we don't know what the future will bring. But we do know that we are committed as a family to love and support each other and to follow the teachings of Jesus. Mark Twain said. "Grief can take care of it's self, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with" I hope we can share lots of joy together.
Like these fuzzy kids, we don't know what the future will bring. But we do know that we are committed as a family to love and support each other and to follow the teachings of Jesus. Mark Twain said. "Grief can take care of it's self, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with" I hope we can share lots of joy together.
1 comment:
I think the same way about monkey and bubbie. They really like each other and play well and I wonder if that will always be the case or if it's just when they're small. I hope it always lasts. I'm the friend that makes sure I have addresses and contacts of the friends I want o hold dear. I don't mind being that friend at all. It's important to hang on to them and not let them slip away due to buzy lives. Great post!
Post a Comment