“Candy friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with pleasure, for good buddies are like anointing oil that yields the aromatic incense of God’s presence.” Proverbs 27:9 (TPT)
I’m a mountains woman. Nonetheless, being born and raised and nonetheless residing in Texas, I don’t get the posh of stepping exterior and being greeted by their majestic magnificence. Fortunately, when the mountains are calling, we do our greatest to pack up the whole household (together with the canine) and make the 15-hour trek to reply the decision. Regardless that it’s solely about annually, it’s completely blissful.
My closest buddies know of my deep love for the mountains. They know that it’s my glad place. Which is why final Valentine’s Day was so particular. We made a pack to go on a ladies’ journey to the mountains. However these plans shortly modified after dropping my candy momma unexpectedly within the spring.
Within the midst of my grief, one in every of my candy buddies gave me a present that touched my coronary heart and blessed me past phrases. Earlier than she gave it to me, she stated, “I understand how a lot you’re keen on the mountains. However… I additionally understand how a lot you’re keen on espresso, so take this and go meet God in your porch swing, for now, till we go on that ladies’ journey.” It was a espresso mug wrapped in an exquisite panorama of the mountains. My candy buddy’s considerate present has given me peace and luxury on numerous mornings.
As Valentine’s Day shortly closes in and we scurry round trying to find methods to make everybody really feel particular and beloved, let’s be conscious of these candy friendships in our lives which can be such a blessing to us. That buddy who at all times checks in on you. That buddy who can at all times conjure up a smile (or giggle) it doesn’t matter what the state of affairs. That buddy who forces you out of your consolation zone to develop you and maintain you accountable. That buddy who makes you a greater spouse, mother, sister, and all the opposite roles you carry.
These are the candy buddies that awake our hearts with pleasure, and spending time with them is a present in and of itself. Let’s bless them this Valentine’s Day with easy acts of kindness. Want some concepts? Listed below are 4 merely candy methods to do exactly that:
Pray for Her
Is there something sweeter than the present of a prayerful buddy? One of the vital highly effective methods we will bless our buddies is by praying for them. Whether or not they’re going through a difficult time, strolling into a brand new season, or having to make huge selections, our prayers are priceless! Prayer connects us in a deep manner as we present our vulnerability and take our hearts earnestly to the Father.
Listed below are 4 methods you’ll be able to pray and carry up your valuable buddies:
Pray for Her to Have Peace
“Don’t be concerned about something, however in each state of affairs, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, current your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Father, I pray you grant my buddy peace. Lead and information her to Your will and Your manner. Assist her place her belief in You. Amen.
Pray for Her to Search Knowledge
“If any of you lacks knowledge, it’s best to ask God, who offers generously to all with out discovering fault, and it is going to be given to you.” James 1:5
Lord, I carry up my buddy to You. Please grant her knowledge and discernment. Assist her search You and discover course in Your valuable Phrase. Let her tuck it in her coronary heart. Amen.
Pray for Her to Cling to Hope
“However those that hope within the Lord will renew their energy. They are going to soar on wings like eagles; they are going to run and never develop weary, they are going to stroll and never be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
God, You recognize the hopes and goals of my expensive buddy. You plant them in her coronary heart. Please assist her set her eyes on You and pursue the goals You lay earlier than her. Amen.
Pray for Her Therapeutic
“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I’m faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” Psalm 6:2
Gracious God, my buddy is in want of therapeutic. You recognize her intimately and precisely what ales her. I ask that You deliver forth therapeutic whether it is Your will and reveal how I can assist her on this time of want. Amen.
Serve Her and Her Household
“We’ll all face troubles on this life and stroll by way of troublesome seasons, perhaps even some which can be simply an excessive amount of to bear. That is once we as a physique of believers can come alongside each other in love and repair.” (Galatians 6:2)
After my mother handed, the outpour of affection really touched my coronary heart. It allowed me to remind myself to maintain respiration as a result of many days, I used to be overcome by such sorrow I discovered that I couldn’t catch my breath. A detailed buddy then gently informed me that anxiousness could be part of grief. Her friendship helped me navigate one of many darkest instances of my life. She despatched me encouraging notes, provided to assist with the kids, and gave hugs every time I wanted them. She was such a blessing.
When you’ve got a candy buddy strolling by way of some murky waters, attain out and contact base along with her. Let her know she isn’t doing this alone.
Bend an Ear
Attentive listening appears to be a international idea today. We’ve got so many distractions and noises round us at any given level that our consideration span has shriveled as much as mere nanoseconds. At the least, it seems to be that manner. I, for one, can inform you I’ve a really laborious time focusing when there’s lots of noise.
However, when somebody truly takes the time to tune all of the noise out and actually hear – it’s observed! And what a blessing it’s!
Whenever you get collectively along with your candy buddies, make sure to bend your ear and really tune in to what they’re saying. Be intentional by putting your cellphone on silent or placing it away. Give her time to speak so she feels heard and validated. As troublesome as it might be, strive to not formulate your response (chew your tongue if it’s important to) and simply be current.
Current considerate questions and be real in your strategy by asking how one can present help and prayer whereas providing encouragement. A buddy that takes the time to hear, and really hear, would be the one which has your again in all types of conditions. Treasure these buddies!
Give a Considerate Reward
Are you a present giver? My sister’s love language is presents, and I can attest to it in saying that she would possibly fairly probably be one of the best “present giver” there’s. Anybody who is aware of her would say the identical. She makes it not simply concerning the present however about the whole presentation. She goes a bit of loopy for Christmas and birthdays and even hosts a Galentine’s get together with crafts for her buddies to take dwelling.
Perhaps you take pleasure in giving and receiving presents as properly. When you’ve got a buddy who feels beloved once you get her a present, be honest and take into consideration what would actually make her day, such because the espresso mug my candy buddy gave to me. It truly is the thought behind the present that issues to her.
Whereas I’m not practically nearly as good at giving presents as my sister, I do love once I discover a present and it instantly makes me consider a pricey buddy. It’s additionally enjoyable to look at them gentle up after they obtain it. It really blesses us each!
Effectively, there you’ve got it, my buddy. Go and bless your candy buddies. Bathe them in love, and should you obtain their blessings of affection as properly. Comfortable Valentine’s Day!
Picture Credit score: ©GettyImages/Simon Lehmann
