Would you be willing, dear reader, to share a story (or two) about a friend who helped you? It could be simple and short --from someone lifting you up when you were down, or complicated and long, like the person who went out of their way to run your family while you were in the hospital (or something).
I'll start.
I was twelve years old. Turning twelve was scary and nerve-wracking for me (although exciting!) because it means, in my religion, the transition from Primary (kids ages 18 months to 11 years old) into Young Women (ages 12-18). I was finally a Beehive! (Girls aged 12-13.) I remember my first few Sundays and mutual nights (weekly activity for the youth) and I was REALLY nervous. I think at my first mutual night, they asked me to play the opening hymn. It was embarrassing, because I wasn't quite good enough to play the hymns, yet. I also remember how I admired the Laurels (girls aged 16-17) and wondered if I would EVER be as cool as they were.
Luckily, I had a "sister" who was a Mia Maid (girls aged 14-15). She was a good family friend, and she immediately took me under her wing and made me feel loved. Her name was Ruth, and she was my hero. With Ruth around, I was always safe!
She shared a scripture with me once, and I can't remember why --just for the heck of it? I'm not sure. But she wrote it on a piece of paper and told me to replace my name with the name of the person for which it was given. I have never forgotten that scripture, nor how I felt when I read it. Nor who told me to do it, because truly, her love was what I felt first:
Doctrine & Covenants 6:20
"Behold, thou art (Cheryl), and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in they heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love."
Her friendship was more like a sistership. She didn't have to look out for me, a family friend nearly four years younger than herself, but she did! I've always counted myself lucky to have her in my life. Still do! Love you, Ruthio.
Your turn. Please share a story of friendship! Friends are the best.
But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859
6 comments:
I was just thinking of some old friends, actually.
One was my life-saver my sophmore year of high school. He was my friend when it felt like no one else would be. He shared his music with me, supported my teen poetry phase--he was just there for me. I will always remember that.
I had a good friend in Young Women's, too. I remember sitting next to her on the piano bench while she played prelude. It was one of those friendships where you can pick up a conversation just where you left off last time. I loved those times.
One of my dearest friends has just been a positive influence in every aspect of my life. She is a wonderful example of charity and helps me to be better - probably without her even knowing it. She has supported me through all kinds of upheaval and heartache, and hopefully I've helped her along the way as well.
I don't have a sister, but in her, I found one.
I'm in a new area and am having a hard time making friends. Yet, as I reached out to someone in my ward to ask about my visiting teachers that I hadn't seen in months, she sensed something was amiss because the next thing I know, she decided to come over for dinner... with dinner for all in her hands. She chatted and let me hold her sweet baby. A few weeks later, she called me up and said she hates crowds but would I go with her to the new outlet mall opening? I went and it was relaxing and fun. Then just before Christmas, she stopped by with a loaf of homemade bread and as she handed it to me, she looked at me and said... do you need a hug? I nodded and she just enveloped me in her arms while I sobbed. I don't know what it is about this woman but she has been spiritually in tune with my needs. I am grateful for her and her sweet spirit and I hope that I too, can be like that some day.
I've had lots of dear friends through the years. When I was in high school, there was a visitor at church. We became fast friends even though she lived in Canada. We were letter writing pen pals for years, and even though we've had lots of moves and very different life experiences, we're still friends. Friendship is a pretty amazing thing!
A few years back I slipped on the ice and fell on my back hitting my head in the process and got a concussion. For about a month I had a hard time with balance and walking. An acquaintance at church called on Friday and asked if she could help by vacuuming my floors. I said no, I couldn't imagine someone doing that for me, especially since I wasn't the greatest housekeeper. On Monday she called again and I was desperate. While my family got the house clean, the floors were a mess so I said yes. She came and vacuumed my whole house, including under the furniture (something I never do) while I had to sit and watch. It was one of the more cherished memories I have and taught me to serve. While we never became best friends, we became friends and I will always love her for what she taught me in her service to me.
I have a dear friend who is a lifelong sister. We say we were besties in the preexistence :) she has had more than her share of adversity. She has a degenerative disease that has landed her in a wheelchair as the mother of 3 children. 7 years ago her wonderful husband was killed in an accident. You would think I am the one who served her, but when I am down and having a hard time she is the one I call. She has such amazing perspective and a wicked sense of humor. Whenever I call I always get a belly laugh and am inspired by her.
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