I have this friend, and though she may not realize it, just about every time we share a conversation, I get to glean some wisdom from her. She is simply “delightful.”
This morning, I watched the clock waiting for an appropriate hour to call her. You see, yesterday my friend experienced an enormous loss, one that I was familiar with and anticipating with her. And though we both knew that loss was iminent, her sadness was inevitable, and so I wanted to comfort her – Because that is what friends do.
She did share her sadness with me, but the conversation very quickly turned to “hope,” as we discussed the great hope we have because we are believers in Jesus Christ. She then gave me the “delightful” details of her day yesterday – Dinner with a family who is (not struggling), but “pressing on” as she reminded me the Scriptures say – through the inevitable situations that this life here on earth brings us, because this is not yet our eternal, perfect home.
She shared with me how very much she loves her daughter, how grateful she was to have her by her side yesterday, and then sighed as though she felt very rested, as she described the bonfire they enjoyed together with friends last night.
And then came the wisdom………..
She said, “Rita – I have the most wonderful daughter. I have incredible friends who pray for me, and for whatever needs I ask them to remember when they approach the throne of God. The bonfire, dinner with friends, and a Saturday afternoon with a friend for dinner and a show – All of these things are simply delightful.”
She went on, “Rita, the stories you share with me about Rory and Holly, about their school and work and trips, about Ian’s jobs in Chicago, and about your trip to visit him and getting a place to stay at your friend’s daughter’s condo! These are ALL gifts to us from God!”
“THIS is the abundant life. THIS, Rita, IS the abundant life!!!” she tearfully, (but joyfully) shared. “Abundance isn’t STUFF, and it certainly isn’t travel, or money,” she said. “It’s THIS, Rita. It’s those God puts in our lives. It’s our children. It’s laughter. It’s people. It’s the “delightful” things. THIS is true abundance.”
She sighed again, and though we were on the phone, I could almost see that pretty smile of hers, and her sweet blue eyes. “Isn’t God gracious??” she said.
He certainly is, my friend. He most certainly is.
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