2001-09-06 - Tough Days

Eccl 4:9-10 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. ¹⁰ For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. (NAS)

Everybody has days like I had today. Just about everything you touch turns to mud before your very eyes. Your best laid plans are washed away. The things around you that you use to keep you on track are forgotten. The time you had planned to use for one thing are diverted to another task. You begin to get the feeling that it would have been better if you had stayed in bed. And it wasn't just me. Two friends I know are very down today too. And it did me a world of good just to sit with them for a while. Even if it just meant they weren't alone, I was being true to that friendship. A few words of encouragement, a smile and an hand on their shoulder or a hug can be a rope thrown to someone who feels like they are sitting in a deep pit all alone.

Working out, or working late on a project, or working in the yard is often easier when you are not alone. One feeds off of the energy or ideas of the other and the work goes more quickly and more smoothly. It lightens the load of both people. A big job can be cut down to size when someone is there to help you along.

A friend can tell by a look in your eye or the tone of your voice that something is bothering you. As much as you might try to hide it or deny it, they will usually be picked up by someone who knows you well. Sometimes the problem all comes pouring out in a stream of chatter that is a flood. And sometimes you just sit side-by-side and know that the other one is there for you even if nothing is said for hours. It meant the world to me to be able to sit for a while with my friends tonight. I think it meant a lot to them too. At times like that nothing has to be said, times when you are just not ready to talk or don't know what to say or how to say it. Words will come, soon enough. But for now, the support and prayers of someone who knows you - with all your faults included - and accepts you just as you are is what is needed to get through the tough days.

Prov 18:24 A man of many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NAS)

Grace &Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org