{{Today is Friday!!! It is the day I link with Lisa Jo Baker for Five Minute Friday. Here is how it works…. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. We all write on the same word.}
Today the word is …. friend.
I think my friend has been with me since the day I was born. He has gone everywhere I have gone, never leaving me alone. I’ve been told that He is a “friend that sticks even closer than a brother” and mine actually stuck pretty close while we were kids.
He went to school with me, which at times was uncomfortable as His attachment to me kept me from joining in with others. But on the flip side, He was a fierce protector which I needed going to school, particularly high school, in the Bronx.
He arranged it so I would meet my husband, my one and only boyfriend, and blazed the way for us to make a life together. Through all the years of our marriage, 35 this May, He stuck it out with us. He brought so many gifts into our lives, making our days all the richer for Him having been there.
Just recently, I read his words to me about our friendship:
- “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.”
- “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
- Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”
He is a friend who has been serious about being my friend and remaining in my life. Serious about His commitment to our relationship, perhaps because He has loved me since He picked me as His friend …
“You didn’t choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.”
At a time where there is so much talk about “community”, I have found relationship and friendship and my “place” with Him. My friend loves me deeply and tells me so, every single day …
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.”
I am deeply grateful for my Friend for there will never be a day nor a circumstance I will face alone.
My Friend for all of my life.
(photo from freedigitalphotos.net/David Castillo Dominici)
**The above Scriptures were open on my desk as I read them last night before heading to bed. They can be found in John 15:9-17, NLT.
Today I am joining with … Five Minute Fri. and Fellowship Fri. and Faith Filled Fri. and Essential Fri. and Fri. Flash Blog and Beauty Observed and Everyday Jesus and Friendship Fri. .
“My friend for all of my life.” Amen! I just loved this, Joanne. Gives me goosebumps and leaves me feeling ever so grateful for the day I accepted Him as my friend. Love you and think of you all the time even though I don’t get by as often as I’d like. Thank you for being my friend. <3
May we never lose the awe and gratitude we feel for Him! Grateful for your friendship as well, Beth! Have a blessed weekend!
PS – You are another week closer to Scott’s return 🙂
Hello FMF neighbor! Stopping by to leave encouragement as you have given your readers. Yes, he is that friend always with us, even when we stray he is there waiting and loving. Thanks for your words today!
Grateful you stopped here! Yes even when we are not faithful, He is always faithful to us!
Beautiful! Unfortunately it’s a lopsided friendship far too often, and our lives are SO much better when we do what God says His friends should do!
Grateful that He sets us straight as needed 🙂
Makes me want to sing… WHAAATT a friend we have in Jesus… Wonderful words, girl! And thanks for linking up at #EverydayJesus. So appreciate your faithfulness and participation 🙂
Sharita, you make me smile. I read the comment earlier & have been humming this song off & on since. I always enjoy linking with you all!
Loved your take on this prompt, Joanne. I think if asked, we would all say He is our friend. But is He the one we typically think of when someone asks us about our friends? Thanks for the reminder that He is the best friend we could ever have!
You raise such a good point, Holly. May He be the One who comes to mind first. Thank you for that reminder!
I also loved your take on this prompt. Jesus is the ultimate friend, for sure. There is no one more compassionate, loyal, or trustworthy than Him!
For sure! And as more of life passes, I am finding it truer each day. Hope you have a good week!