Thankful Hearts

Wednesday, November 2

Thankful Hearts

Week 1 Focus: Relationships

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathon became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathon made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathon took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt. 1 Samuel 18:1-4

"Today, I am thankful for my relationship with FRIENDS."

I love the example of friendship between David and Jonathon that is portrayed in the above Scripture. Notice the beautiful phrase he loved him as himself. Their friendship was mutual in this way, not one-sided. They were one in spirit, and cared deeply for each other's well-being.

What a blessing to have friendships that fit this description! These bonds can be from our childhood; they can be as new as last week, or somewhere in between. I love to think of the friends that God has brought to me in my lifetime! Not too long ago, I was able to reunite with my high school best friend after decades! Crazily, when we embraced, it was as if we had seen each other yesterday. And the same thing happened when I caught up with my two friends from the child-rearing years. (We all had babies at the same time; now these "babies" of ours are having our grand babies!). The common bond that is unbreakable between these relationships is Jesus Christ. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

What about you? Who comes to mind right now. Today, say a thank you prayer to God for this special person. If your day happens to get a little rough, think of your friend and smile, and thank God again for her. Maybe even reach out to her today and simply tell her that you are in "thinking and thanking" mode concerning her all day long.

Yep, I'm already feeling it. God is bringing some special friendships to mind. I'm going to have a long happy day of both "thinking and thanking".

Exploring Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 23:16; Proverbs 27:9; 1Thessalonians 5:11

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the gift of friendship! Strong bonds with like-minded, like-hearted friends keep us afloat when the waters get rough! We praise you for these people that we can laugh and cry with, that we can be silly or go deep with, that we can sing and dance and walk and pray with. You are so good to bless us with these kinds of friends! We will think about them and thank you for them all day long. Amen.