Today I was privileged to learn, or perhaps I should say re-learn, some important life lessons.
1) Friendships require work. They are worth the effort because of the joy and strength and encouragement they bring into your life.
2) Email is NOT the best vehicle for dealing with conflict or struggles in relationships.
3) Prayer is essential, without it I am likely to make rash, head strong decisions. With prayer I am led by the Holy Spirit, covered in His grace, and a godly example to my friends and family.
4) There are two (or three or four) sides to every story. The more informed you are, the better.
5) Being quick to apologize and resolve conflict brings healing and restoration.
6) Mature, godly friends are an unbelievable blessing.
This week Rachel and some of her girlfriends are attending a class on Being a Joyful Girl taught by one of my friends. Each day the girls spend two hours studying what it means to be a godly young lady. A portion of the time is devoted to a beautiful craft and another part to hearing from older, wiser women as they share from their lives.
After class today I was given the opportunity to work on these aforementioned life lessons. In the midst of some conflict, in which I did NOT first seek the Lord in prayer or speak to the people involved in person, I was humbled and impressed by the power of grace, a contrite heart and forgiveness.
How tender of our heavenly Father to use something that Satan meant for evil (stirring up trouble among the girls who are learning each day to be more like Jesus), and turn into a picture of forgiveness, repentance and joy. I am awed by His ability to take a situation that could have festered and caused cracks in long standing friendships, and instead create a deeper bond with hearts tied together closer.
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:14-15
And so lessons are taught to both parent and child. What will tomorrow bring, I wonder?
Kathy
That is such a good post today. These life lessons apply to both young and old….actually everyone. Thanks for summing them up for us.
Now to remember to apply them.
The more I learn and the older I get I realize that I really know nothing.
Tomorrow brought you a lesson in patience with a slow computer.
I am so proud of you, dear Katherine. And I love you lots. AK