Friendship

Have you ever thought about your friendships? I have quite a bit. I've wondered what kind of friend I am to others...

I have some friends that I think are just awesome...what do they think of my friendship?

I'm continually amazed at how my friends in EVERY part of my life have affect who I was at that time and point. (No wonder my parents told me to choose my friends carefully!) Some positive -- others negative.

Recently God has been challenging me to try to be more of an encourager, lifter up of spirits, and all around positive person...it's proving harder than I expected. I used to be annoyingly cheery, but at some point I developed an awful negativity toward life in general. I certainly hope it doesn't always show b/c that'd be quite depressing, but I fear it's more obvious than I'd like.

I like the quote "When life gives you lemons make lemonade" but tonight I got to thinking...where's all my lemonade? I want to ooze lemonade. Nice mental image right?

*side note* I also like the other version of that quote..."When life gives you lemons make grape juice -- it confuses ppl".

***************************************************************************

I know that we as Christians are to be different than the world. How we handle our individual problems shows the stuff we're made of and whether we're really the children of Christ or not. If I break down, shut down, or get down every time a problem arises how does that reveal my belief and faith an my Almighty God?
Now I'm not saying there aren't appropriate times for tears, contemplation, or sadness, but it shouldn't be the norm for every day life.

How can I become a better friend? How can I become a more Christ-like friend? I'm sure the disciples never had a better friend than Jesus.
I want to follow His lead. He was compassionate, understanding, patient, wise, loving, loyal and so much more.

Think for a moment about Jesus treatment of Judas. Could you do that? This is only one of so many examples we can take from Jesus life!

I pray I can become the friend that forgives no matter what, loves unconditionally, is always patient and understanding. I want to see the good in ppl and to encourage them to achieve their full potential in life. God sure has His work cut out for Him, but I know that He will be faithful to complete the work He has begun in me...