God's Gift of Friends

Have you considered how wondrous a gift friends are? How rare it is to find someone who is willing to let you into her life, and to be present for you through thick and thin? Scripture tells us that it's not good to be alone, that we all need fellowship, to gather together and encourage and exhort one another.

It's so easy today to let life fly by without stopping and celebrating those God has brought to us, those who share our journey. So I challenge you to stop, right now, and think about the friends you have. Those who have come alongside you, who have become a part of the fabric of your life.

I'm thinking of one such friend too. The amazing Julee Schwarzburg, who is celebrating her birthday today.

Or rather, those who know her are celebrating it. Because she's one of those rare people who warms and blesses everyone she meets. So this is for my pal, Julee.

A friend who speaks truth to me when I need to hear it, but does so with love and tenderness.

A heart-sister who God has used, oh so well, to bring me encouragement, wisdom, and laughter.

A fellow sojourner who has known me in my darkest moments and still loves me. Without reservation.

Julee, who shares my penchant for adventure, travel, deep conversation,

and moments of silliness.

Who has a powerful love for Scripture,

words and writing, for authors and readers.

Who knows what it is to walk a path of faith and obedience, even when it's terribly difficult.

Thanks, God, for the gift of Julee.

And thanks, Julee, for being who you are--and enriching my life in more ways than I can express.