It was busy around the Nest this past weekend. Not very empty at all. :)
The kids were home. Which meant someone was constantly in or out. I relished in the fact, more than once, that that they actually choose to hang out at our house. I hope that never changes.
Of course, with our kids - come kids. At times - many, many kids. (Well - adults. :) This meant there was also a lot of eating, a lot of patio time, a lot of joking and a whole lot of 'remember when??' stories going on.
So when I received a devotional on friendship today it reminded me of what awesome and accepting friends my kids have always been. Sure, there were a few budding friendships that were not the best 'fit' over the years . . but for the most part, once they met you, you were friends. Pretty much like those two hanging out above. :)
But now meet Bobby:
Bobby was a shy, quiet little boy. One day he came home and told his mother he'd like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. "I wish he wouldn't do that!" she thought. She had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Bobby was always behind them. They laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other, but Bobby was never included. Still, she decided to go along with her son’s plan. She purchased the paper, glue and crayons, and for three whole weeks, night after night, Bobby painstakingly made thirty-five valentines. Valentine's Day dawned, and Bobby was frantic with excitement! He carefully placed the valentines in a bag, and bolted out the door.
His mom decided to bake his favorite cookies because she knew he would be disappointed when he came home from school. It hurt her to think he wouldn't get many valentines -- maybe none at all. That afternoon she had the cookies and milk on the table. Finally, when she heard their voices, she looked out the window to see the children laughing and having the best time. As usual, there was Bobby in the rear but walking a little faster than usual.
She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside. His arms were empty and when the door opened, she choked back tears as she said, "Honey, I have some warm cookies and milk for you” but he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face glowing, and all he could say was: "Not a one -- not a one." The mother’s heart sank. Then he added, "I didn't forget a one, not a single one!"
When God is in control of our friendships and when we trust Him with those friendships, we will be a better friend, and we will have more true friends.
"And so I am giving a new commandment to you now--love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35
Does the world know we are His disciples by the way we love and relate to each other?
"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope." ~ Anonymous
Do you know a Bobby? There's a saying that goes 'in order to have a true friend, you have to be a true friend'. I realize I'm partial, but I'd say my kids passed the test on this one - with flying colors.
'You've got a friend in me . . . '
Until later :)
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