Recently a friend of mine who went through a life-saving operation shared her thoughts on how this experience has changed her. Another friend of mine, rather young but in poor health, had two heart attacks in the past month. Earlier this week, a stranger shared with me the experience of losing her childhood. And a friend shared the very private loss she has struggled with just this past year. Each of their circumstances are very different, yet they all seem to – perhaps even unknowingly – share a common wisdom. They know what matters.
One of those nuggets of wisdom was to stop discussing things you’d like to do, and just do them. So rather than talking about having lunch, my friend and I dropped everything we were doing today to share a meal and catch up. I can’t even describe to you what a treat that was. It was a sweet one. I’m glad we didn’t just talk about it. We did it. She knows what matters, and she knows her heartaches matter to me.
The fragility of life and not knowing what tomorrow brings – matters. My friend just texted me. Discharge papers were complete. Labs came back bad. She’s staying another night. I know her, though, and she is still smiling, and she will still bring joy to every person who walks in or out of her room. She knows what matters, and she knows she matters to me.
If my friends and I didn’t share our life’s biggest hurts and disappointments, along with our joys and successes – what shallow friendships we would have. My heart aches when my friends walk through valleys, but I hope they know how strong and wise they seem to be, as I watch them climbing out of those dark places on the other side. Sharing our greatest joys, our successes, and even our fears of failure make our friendships sweeter, don’t you think? This matters to me!
I’m overwhelmingly thankful tonight for friends – the kind that remind me – often through laughter, but sometimes through tears – that what matters most in this life are the people God sends us to love. And He has certainly sent me some sweet ones. They matter to me!
Ladies, thank you for always, always refreshing my soul! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
“A deep friendship refreshes the soul.” Proverbs 27:9
As always Rita, your blog speaks right to my heart. I am so very thankful God brought you into my life.
Love you lots dear friend 😘