Joyful Sacrifice

The Winter Sky... God's creation is amazingly beautiful!

I had planned to post this around Thanksgiving when I wrote it but I wanted to save it until it was published in a keepsake book... which has now been received by one of my most treasured friends.
Never did I believe it possible to have the kind of friendship that is written about in books or shown in movies. I was certain it was fantasy to think that two people could share all parts of their lives on such a deep level. I never thought that 'friends' could be family... corny, feel good stuff meant for the big screen. What is true friendship? It is joyful sacrifice... wanting to be there in the best of times and the saddest of times for those you love with all your heart. That is the definition of family, isn't it? Joyful sacrifice is taking care of your best friend's child while she flies across the country to be with grieving family. It is giving up pool days of relaxing in the sun to study and discuss God's Word. It is shedding countless tears watching your best friend's family lose a treasured sister and feeling their sorrow many times since. It is crossing the finish line MANY times together after hard training and hours of dedication. It is leaving late for a trip to watch your friend become your sister in Christ as she is baptized AND knowing YOU are the reason she was there. God allowed these experiences so we could grow in our faith and so I wouldn't change any of them.

Today, I celebrate friendship and the blessing it is to me. I am thankful that God places the right people in our lives. I am blessed to have close friends who truly accept me with my flaws and love me despite them. My heart is full and my joy is great. Thanksgiving and Christmas are perfect holidays to share our love with others... but so is any other day of the year. I strive to share my appreciation with those closest to me often. Each day is a gift... and I am so grateful to spend my life with family and friends.