My friend
In my retirement, I’m blessed with the opportunity to share caregiving duties for grandchildren. School pickup is my responsibility several days a week. I received a delightful surprise one day this past week when the speech teacher stopped me as I was leaving preschool with my little one. With a bright smile she said, “When I asked him if he had a special friend at church, he said, ‘Grammy is my friend.'”
My little man smiled his sweet smile and my heart overflowed with love. I stashed the moment away with other treasured memories.
My friend and yours
Jesus tells His disciples–and us:
You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15:14-15)
Our Lord is faithful and trustworthy:
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
Our Savior is a loyal friend:
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
Caring for our friends
It’s truly a blessing from God to have friends. How should I care for my friend? We find that answer in His word.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
- Treat them with kindness and compassion
- Forgive them when they cause pain
- Love like Jesus
Jesus said:
My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: To lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:12-13)
Lay down our lives? Ouch!
We’re not called to give our lives as Jesus did. But we are called to:
- Give of ourselves
- Sacrifice our pride by being humble
- Put aside our selfish desires by focusing on the needs of others first
- Give up our need to be in control
I’m blessed to have Jesus as my friend. If He’s not yet your friend, I pray you will reach out to Jesus and ask Him to be your Savior and friend.
Family is an amazing and awesome blessing. I pray that your family members are both loved ones and friends.
I’m sure hearing your grandson say you are his friend did melt your heart. This is a reflection of the sweet relationship you have with him. We are so blessed to know Jesus calls us His friend. Thanks, Katherine, I’m glad I can call you my friend too.
So am I, Barbara! I’m thankful for the blessing of your friendship and so grateful for your encouragement. Wishing you a great week!
What a special story and introduction, Katherine. Thank you.
Thank you, Diana. I’m blessed. Sending wishes for peace and blessings your way.
Love the article and what a special treasured moment and memory. You are a friend to many. How blessed we are to have Jesus as our Savior and as our friend.
Oh, yes, Laura! We are indeed blessed by our relationship with Jesus, a true friend. I’m thankful for your friendship, support, and encouragement, my friend.
What a very very special moment with your grandson and his teacher! And a good lesson for us from Scripture on being a good friend! Thank you Katherine!
I hope and pray we as Christians seek to be good friends. As we are called to be missionaries and witnesses for Jesus, being a friend as Jesus shows us is a wonderful and effective way to spread the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Thank you, Kathy, and wishing you a joy filled week.
Isn’t it so sweet when our grands consider us as a “friend” in addition to the doting grandparent that we are? I love it!!
Oh, yes, Julie! I know you are enjoying those very precious moments with your grandchildren, just as I am. May God continue to bless you in your service to Him (and to those sweet grandchildren).
Our friends are among God’s greatest blessings—whether family or not. How special that your grandson sees you as his friend! My spouse is one of my greatest friends.
We are truly blessed in marriage if our spouse is also a good and special friend. It strengthens our relationship in so many ways. I’ve been blessed in that same way. Thank you for reminded us what a treasure that is. Blessings!
Your grandson’s comment is precious! Can’t think of a higher complement.
Yes, Debbie, it’s a precious memory for me. Blessings!
Thanks for sharing the lovely moment with your grandson. I appreciate the reminders about how to be loving and friendly.
I need to remind myself periodically about being loving and friendly. We sponsored a big event at our church this past Saturday as a fund raiser for our missions program. It was all hands on deck and we got along well and worked together as a team. I’m so thankful God answered my prayers that we work together in love and fellowship. We could have bickered or complained about the level of energy expended (we were exhausted!) but we encouraged and praised instead. God is so GOOD!
I love moments like yours with our grandkids. They fill my heart. Thanks for sharing Katherine and I’m glad for your friendship.
Yvonne, I know you understand my joy in this precious moment. I am so blessed. Wishing you a great week!
So sweet! Treasured memory, indeed! Love the verses you shared too!
Thank you, LuAnn. I think as we get older, these special memories moments are even more special. Blessings!