Earlier this week I kept having the song Graves into Gardens running over and over in my head.
Particularly this part;
“…My failures and flaws, Lord, You’ve seen them all.
And you still call me friend.”
Friend.
If you know anything about me then, you’ll know it’s common for me to have a song stuck in my head and then subsequently be humming it for days on end.
Yes, it’s annoying…. not just for me but for my brother…my parents…and even sometimes my friends. #sorrynotsorry
Yet even though that’s just one of the many annoying things that I do on a regular basis, I have never had a friendship called off because of it. Even though it’s annoying, it’s something small that makes me, me!
It’s a part of who I am.
I’m fortunate enough to have a great support network, which includes great friends. They’re my allies, my comforters, my encouragers and the people I lean on for adventure.
I’ve definitely been through difficult stages with some friends. Yet working through these stages has allowed our friendship to grow stronger. It’s forced us to address personal issues, communicate and then collaborate together to find a solution. Friendships are where you acknowledge that you probably have a different story from each other yet still choose to stand by one another through life.
The people who consider themselves my friends these days know who I am and I know who they are.
That’s why I think one of the greatest things I will probably get to do in my lifetime is be a friend to others. Because, it’s a space where I can consistently show up for someone else and influence their life, hopefully for good.
Think about it. If my greatest sermon is just being me and allowing Jesus to shine through me. Then sharing that with those who are closest to me could be how they come to know God.
When I look at Jesus’ life I see him meeting people and taking the time to know them personally. Maybe in our own small part of our world, our friendships can be that safe space for God to shine. A space where there’s less of us and more of him.
So, even if you don’t know where to start, just start by praying about it. God will guide you even if it doesn’t always feel like it. You just have to take the first step and keep listening to Him.
“My command is this: Love each other 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
WRITER: Bronte Varas, attends Lilydale SDA Church (VIC)