The Encouragement of Friends

Prov 27:9 - Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel. (NKJ)

I am so thankful for the wise counsel of good friends...

Last week was incredibly frustrating for me as I tried to motivate the children to learn some new material. I admit I was in tears a couple of times and, one day, I even raised my voice out of frustration, reacting in a manner of which I am not proud. However, since then, I have had a lot of prayer support and encouragement from several other mom friends who understand the challenges we face with our children. I received wise counsel from them and, because of their willingness to reach out to me, I believe God has given me some new ideas to try with the children. Now, instead of looking at this coming week with fear and hesitation, I am looking forward to seeing what our week has in store. Thank you to all of you who reached out to me with kind and thoughtful words, a listening ear, and a prayerful heart.

This week, as the Lord brings your friends and family to mind, think of a way to reach out to them. Maybe God has brought them to your mind for a reason. Send them a "thinking of you" card, give them a phone call to see how they are doing, send them an e-mail, or say a prayer for them, even if you don't know what to specifially pray for (and then tell them you prayed for them the next time you see them). Let's remember to encourage one another, and to be there for each other, in a world where frustrations run high.

Have a great week!