“Let’s consider how we may encourage one another toward love and good deeds.” -- Hebrews 10:24-25
When he’d married Jenny, Doug gained her best friend Sally as well. Naturally, the two husbands became friends too because they knew the women were inseparable. Both couples added baby daughters at nearly the same time and to no one’s surprise, the two girls, Katie and Melissa, became BFFs as well.
Arriving home from work one day, Doug found a hastily scribbled note: “Masons in car accident. Melissa hurt badly. HURRY!” That night they would all begin to grieve their friends’ tragic loss. Things got worse a year later when Sally’s marriage ended in divorce.
Doug too would suffer a terrible heartbreak. After she’d collapsed in the bookstore, he held Jenny’s limp hand until the ambulance’s monitor told him she’d never open her eyes again. A brain aneurysm ended their 7 year romance.
The first day of school arrived. Doug helped Katie fill her backpack, made a peanut butter sandwich (cut diagonally just the way Jenny did it), and helped her pick out just the right earrings. But when it came to her hair, he was clueless. Disappointment filled her young, sad eyes . . . he didn’t have the slightest idea how to braid.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered and kissed the back of her head. Katie shrugged, trying to look brave. As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Sally stood outside.
“Hi guys,” she said quietly. “Sorry to intrude. I just thought . . . well, wondered really . . . if Katie might like some help getting ready for school today.” He nodded approvingly.
She slipped in quietly, squeezing Doug’s arm as she made her way to Katie’s room. Katie was thrilled! Sally’s hands quivered as she ran her fingers through Katie’s hair, skillfully weaving the long hair into a beautiful braid.
“Just like Mommy!” Katie beamed with adoration.
The two hugged and Sally said, “Have a great day, honey.”
After Katie left, Doug walked Sally to the door. “I can come,” she offered haltingly, “In the morning, if you like . . . until you get the hang of it.”
“Thank you,” he said appreciatively, tears soaking his cheeks now. “What made you come?”
She smiled peacefully. “Because wherever Jenny is, she’s taking care of my baby, too.”
Friends are God’s handiwork – designed for a magnificent purpose. Never let the passion for your friendships fade. To glorify Him – be the best friend!
Lord Jesus, help me not to become complacent or lazy about my friendships. Show me fresh new ways to grow Your glory in the lives of the people I care most about. Amen
