Friendship
with God
By
Kelli Beaucage
I've
heard it said that many people will walk in
and out of our lives, but only true friends
will leave footprints in our hearts. I was reflecting
on this recently while driving home from a visit
with an old friend whom I hadn't seen in almost
a year. Charlotte was visiting a nearby city
for a wedding, and called to ask if I could
come and see her for a couple of hours. "It
would be so nice to see you!" she sang
into the phone. "It can't be long visit,"
she added. "We have lots going on with
the family."
Although
the thought of driving an hour and a half out of my way
for a two-hour visit didn't initially excite me, I knew
it would be worth it. Charlotte was one of those friends
who had truly left a "footprint" on my heart.
And even though we hadn't lived in the same city for several
years, we somehow managed to stay in touch.
As I
thought about our relationship and what made it so special,
I couldn't help but recall the distressing events that drew
us into a lasting friendship.
It was
during a personal crisis that I discovered Charlotte was
the kind of friend that "sticks closer than a brother".
We had only been casual acquaintances when I was admitted
to the hospital to receive treatment for a blood clot in
my leg. While there, I was also tested for what I believed
was a minor "female" problem.
Shortly
thereafter, I received the shocking news that I had an early-stage
cancer in my uterus. Childless and in my early thirties,
I faced a decision that would forever shape my husband's
and my future. The emotional pain was indescribable. It
was the prayers and support of my husband, family and friends
that carried me through this traumatic season.
Charlotte's
display of true friendship is one of the most important
factors that helped me on my road to recovery. She never
failed to have a word of encouragement just when I needed
it most. Sometimes her comfort was wordless - she was simply
there for me, not saying anything but strengthening me through
her quiet presence. I knew I could count on her to walk
with me through this dark valley, and her constant acts
of kindness will be fondly cherished in my memories.
Still,
Charlotte's greatest expression of love was to point me
to my real source of strength and assurance - my best friend,
Jesus Christ.
I began
to draw comfort from Jesus' words of life and hope written
in the Bible. The more I read the scriptures, the greater
peace I experienced. As time when on and the recovery process
took place, He proved to me that I could count on Him for
anything. For Jesus is not a friend who drops in and out
of my life for a season. Like my friend Charlotte, He has
proven time and again the constancy of His love and faithfulness.
The
true friends in one's life will be there for you no matter
what season you may be going through. They are friends for
all seasons. And that's the kind of friend I've been so
blessed to have in Jesus Christ.
Kelli
Beaucage is a freelance writer and ordained
minister. She and her husband, Leonard, pastor
a church in Saskatchewan, Canada. If you would
like to interact with her about this article,
e-mail: bfordsvictory@sasktel.net
Do
you know God personally? Read:
Peace with God
