Wednesday was a bit of a nostalgic day to say the least. With strange things from my past testing me to be wise and to make the right decisions. But the highlight of my day was seeing a friend I haven't seen in a long while. I've really missed her, but it wasn't until I saw her that I really felt the full weight of how much. Her whole character inspired me and motivated me to continue with all that I am doing and she probably doesn't know it, but she was/is a breath of fresh air-however cheesy that sounds! She's so bubbly and so happy and optimistic it just reminded me that there are few people in this life that pick us up or help us out and we need to cherish them as much as we can. We all need someone, to look to, to go to and to follow. Whether they be one in the same person or whether they be three different people. It's good to follow someone in the sense of looking to someone and seeing how they do things and adapt how you yourself would do things. It's good to have someone to look to that is spiritually strong and someone that you can go to with any problems.
God covers every area, but whilst there are still humans around and there are still Godly men and women to be had, let's make the most of it and follow those that cane be an example and strive to reach the potential that God wants us to reach. Here's where I stray a little...All throughout the bible there are verses about encouraging one another, it's one of those things that I feel today is slightly neglected. We assume people don't need encouraging as a lot of people seem to be fairly self assured. We live in a sarcastic society, sarcastic insults are a split second thing that we believe has no long lasting effects and encouraging each other sometimes seems unnecessary. Paul was continually encouraging the church with his letters and with his actions. Likewise, we need people to be like that for us and we need to be like that to others. We need to be good friends to others and lend encroaching words as often as possible in a way that is most likely going to mean a lot to someone. A little encouragements goes a long way. Here are a couple of challenges/statements that got my ol' cogs working... Proverbs 28:23-"In the end, people appreciate frankness over flattery". Everyone needs a friend or more than one friend to be straight with them, even if it causes a little hurt. "Does my butt look big in this"..."Yes" (such a poor example, I know!) It's better to be honest and straight, then to let your friend go out looking stupid and in the long run, they end up feeling worse because you didn't tell them the truth. On deeper levels and on a less superficial basis you need good, strong (well rooted) friends that can challenge you on sensitive issues, that help shape you better and help build your character. Proverbs 12:25-"Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up". Everyone wants to hear something reassuring in a time of need, a few positive words can make all the difference. Making friends and being a good friend has no scientific calculation it's give a lot and take a lot, it's about balance it's about encouraging one another. It's about building each other up, not tearing each other apart. Who are you going to encourage today?
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