“Candy friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with pleasure, for good pals are like anointing oil that yields the aromatic incense of God’s presence.” Proverbs 27:9 (TPT)
I’m a mountains lady. Nonetheless, being born and raised and nonetheless residing in Texas, I don’t get the posh of stepping outdoors and being greeted by their majestic magnificence. Fortunately, when the mountains are calling, we do our greatest to pack up all the household (together with the canine) and make the 15-hour trek to reply the decision. Although it’s solely about annually, it’s completely blissful.
My closest pals know of my deep love for the mountains. They know that it’s my comfortable place. Which is why final Valentine’s Day was so particular. We made a pack to go on a ladies’ journey to the mountains. However these plans shortly modified after dropping my candy momma unexpectedly within the spring.
Within the midst of my grief, one in every of my candy pals gave me a present that touched my coronary heart and blessed me past phrases. Earlier than she gave it to me, she stated, “I understand how a lot you’re keen on the mountains. However… I additionally understand how a lot you’re keen on espresso, so take this and go meet God in your porch swing, for now, till we go on that ladies’ journey.” It was a espresso mug wrapped in a wonderful panorama of the mountains. My candy good friend’s considerate reward has given me peace and luxury on numerous mornings.
As Valentine’s Day shortly closes in and we scurry round trying to find methods to make everybody really feel particular and beloved, let’s be aware of these candy friendships in our lives which can be such a blessing to us. That good friend who at all times checks in on you. That good friend who can at all times conjure up a smile (or giggle) it doesn’t matter what the state of affairs. That good friend who forces you out of your consolation zone to develop you and maintain you accountable. That good friend who makes you a greater spouse, mother, sister, and all the opposite roles you carry.
These are the candy pals that awake our hearts with pleasure, and spending time with them is a present in and of itself. Let’s bless them this Valentine’s Day with easy acts of kindness. Want some concepts? Listed here are 4 merely candy methods to do exactly that:
Pray for Her
Is there something sweeter than the reward of a prayerful good friend? One of the crucial highly effective methods we will bless our pals is by praying for them. Whether or not they’re going through a difficult time, strolling into a brand new season, or having to make huge choices, our prayers are priceless! Prayer connects us in a deep approach as we present our vulnerability and take our hearts earnestly to the Father.
Listed here are 4 methods you possibly can pray and carry up your treasured pals:
Pray for Her to Have Peace
“Don’t be troubled about something, however in each state of affairs, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, current your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Father, I pray you grant my good friend peace. Lead and information her to Your will and Your approach. Assist her place her belief in You. Amen.
Pray for Her to Search Knowledge
“If any of you lacks knowledge, you must ask God, who provides generously to all with out discovering fault, and it will likely be given to you.” James 1:5
Lord, I carry up my good friend to You. Please grant her knowledge and discernment. Assist her search You and discover course in Your treasured Phrase. Let her tuck it in her coronary heart. Amen.
Pray for Her to Cling to Hope
“However those that hope within the Lord will renew their energy. They’ll soar on wings like eagles; they’ll run and never develop weary, they’ll stroll and never be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
God, You already know the hopes and goals of my pricey good friend. You plant them in her coronary heart. Please assist her set her eyes on You and pursue the goals You lay earlier than her. Amen.
Pray for Her Therapeutic
“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I’m faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” Psalm 6:2
Gracious God, my good friend is in want of therapeutic. You already know her intimately and precisely what ales her. I ask that You convey forth therapeutic whether it is Your will and reveal how I will help her on this time of want. Amen.
Serve Her and Her Household
“We are going to all face troubles on this life and stroll by troublesome seasons, perhaps even some which can be simply an excessive amount of to bear. That is after we as a physique of believers can come alongside each other in love and repair.” (Galatians 6:2)
After my mother handed, the outpour of affection really touched my coronary heart. It allowed me to remind myself to maintain respiratory as a result of many days, I used to be overcome by such sorrow I discovered that I couldn’t catch my breath. An in depth good friend then gently instructed me that nervousness may be part of grief. Her friendship helped me navigate one of many darkest occasions of my life. She despatched me encouraging notes, supplied to assist with the kids, and gave hugs every time I wanted them. She was such a blessing.
You probably have a candy good friend strolling by some murky waters, attain out and contact base together with her. Let her know she isn’t doing this alone.
Bend an Ear
Attentive listening appears to be a international idea lately. We have now so many distractions and noises round us at any given level that our consideration span has shriveled as much as mere nanoseconds. At the least, it seems to be that approach. I, for one, can let you know I’ve a really exhausting time focusing when there’s quite a lot of noise.
However, when somebody really takes the time to tune all of the noise out and actually pay attention – it’s seen! And what a blessing it’s!
If you get collectively together with your candy pals, make sure you bend your ear and really tune in to what they’re saying. Be intentional by putting your cellphone on silent or placing it away. Give her time to speak so she feels heard and validated. As troublesome as it might be, strive to not formulate your response (chunk your tongue if it’s a must to) and simply be current.
Current considerate questions and be real in your strategy by asking how one can present assist and prayer whereas providing encouragement. A good friend that takes the time to pay attention, and really pay attention, would be the one which has your again in all types of conditions. Treasure these pals!
Give a Considerate Reward
Are you a present giver? My sister’s love language is presents, and I can attest to it in saying that she would possibly fairly presumably be the most effective “reward giver” there’s. Anybody who is aware of her would say the identical. She makes it not simply concerning the reward however about all the presentation. She goes somewhat loopy for Christmas and birthdays and even hosts a Galentine’s occasion with crafts for her pals to take house.
Perhaps you get pleasure from giving and receiving presents as effectively. You probably have a good friend who feels beloved whenever you get her a present, be honest and take into consideration what would actually make her day, such because the espresso mug my candy good friend gave to me. It truly is the thought behind the reward that issues to her.
Whereas I’m not practically pretty much as good at giving presents as my sister, I do love once I discover a reward and it instantly makes me consider an expensive good friend. It’s additionally enjoyable to observe them gentle up after they obtain it. It really blesses us each!
Properly, there you’ve got it, my good friend. Go and bless your candy pals. Bathe them in love, and will you obtain their blessings of affection as effectively. Completely satisfied Valentine’s Day!
Picture Credit score: ©GettyImages/Simon Lehmann
Alicia Searl is a devotional writer, blogger, and speaker that’s captivated with pouring out her coronary heart and pointing girls of all ages again to Jesus. She has an schooling background and grasp’s in literacy. Her favourite folks name her Mother, which is why a lot of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball recreation or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a imply latte. She sips that goodness whereas writing her coronary heart on a web page whereas her pet licks her ft. Go to her web site at aliciasearl.com and join together with her on Instagram and Fb.
