The doorbell rang and expecting a package to be delivered, I opened the door. Much to my surprise, it was not my package.
There in the door was a sight for sore eyes. My dearest friend stood grinning from ear to ear as she knew she had surprised me once again.
We hugged long and hard. I stood back to take her in, making sure my eyes were seeing for real, and then hugged again.
The very sight of her always brings a rush of emotions. This is the friend who knows me better than anyone. The one who has laughed and cried more with me than any other person. We’ve seen each other through ups and downs, constantly amazed at the manner in which God has woven our lives together.
And that’s the beauty and wonder of friendships.
No matter how long it’s been between visits, it feels like only yesterday. And it always feels right and safe and loving.
In her book, The Gift of Friendship: Stories That Celebrate the Beauty of Shared Moments, Dawn Camp brings a collection of stories that celebrate the beauty of friendship. Every story in itself is an invitation to have your heart warmed as each one will remind you of the gift represented by each of the friends in your own life.
Friendships come in all shapes and sizes. Some last a life time. Some for a short span of time. But each one is meant for a purpose in our lives.
We cherish the time spent with a true friend. Conversation can be trivial or deep, but we hang on every word.
The book has contributions from about fifty of our favorite authors and bloggers. Each reading is sure to delight as it brings encouragement. There are Scriptures and quotes on friendship which make this book truly a book to treasure. My copy is underlined and written it in the margins with notes, as the stories resonated deeply.
The stories are broken down into nine chapter headings:
- Building Community
- It Takes a Friend to Be a Friend
- Pursuing Friendship
- Hospitality
- Friendship on Purpose
- What I Learned about Friendship from My Family
- Vulnerability
- Making a Difference
- Old Friends
You can read this book from cover to cover – highly recommended and the way I did – in two afternoons. Or you can read it topically. But no matter how you read it, you will find yourself pulled in and not wanting to put the book down. Each story will give you opportunity to sit with this group and experience the many facets of friendships.
“Friendship is acting out God’s love for people in tangible ways.”
(Shauna Niequist, page 76)
** *** I received a copy of this book from Revell for review purposes, which has been a delight to offer. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Today I am joining … Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Women With Intention and Literacy Musing Mondays and Three Word Wednesday and Look In A Book and Booknificent Thursday .
Friendship is such a gift. This looks like a great book that celebrates friendship!
This was a very sweet book. I laughed & cried as I thought of different friendships in my own life.
Hi Joanne, I found your post on #LMMLinkup. This sounds like a beautiful book about friendships, something that’s seeming to become a lost art. As I read your story it reminded me of dear friends whom I’d love to reconnect with, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do! Thanks for sharing.
Marva, that is exactly what happened to me as I read the book. I even bought a few copies to gift to those very friends I thought about š
I enjoyed Dawn’s last book, so I”m sure this one will be a pleasure as well. What a wonderful story about your dear friend coming to the door!
Yes, Michele, her last one was lovely as well. You will enjoy this one too!
Wonderful post. Sharing with my FB friends! š
Thank you, Bette. It truly was a lovely book!
This sounds like a wonderful collection of stories. Thanks for sharing!
It was a very sweet collection. One which made me laugh, nod my head, and cry. Each story wonderful in itself. Glad you stopped by!
Sounds like a lovely book! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for joining me for my monthly #LookInABook Club! The Gift Of Friendship was a literal page Turner for me as well, and brought on a flood of emotions, just like you described seeing your friend at the door. With each story, I was nodding along and reminded of a specific individual that God had placed in my life. Thanks for sharing!
It is so true. Each story brings a reaction. It was wonderful!
I love the anecdote of your sweet friend surprising you! Love having you as a part of Booknificent Thursday!
Tina