Friendship Is Not A Tally Sheet

"People  need love especially when they don't deserve it." So why do we keep score with others? They even make Christmas card record books that let you check off who you send a card to and who sends one to you. Like we need to track our friendship and after not receiving one back for  a few years we are to strike that person from our list. That is so wrong and so sad! While Ron and I were separated and Ryan was struggling with all his addictions I just couldn't bring myself to send out cards at Christmas time. I have friends who actually quit sending me cards but continued sending them to my Mom, who they knew through me. Crazy and hurtful to be cut off when I needed my friends the most.

As we get older the more we reach out to others the more they reach back. But what about when a friend or loved one is going through a rough time and just can't bring themselves to pick up the phone or to send a  card? Shouldn't that be the time when we pray without for them continuously and make sure they know we are there whenever and however they need us?  Relationships should not have score cards or tally sheets! Would we ever want Christ to treat us this way? Thank God He loves us in spite of ourselves. This is what he wants from us. To treat one another as He treats us.

I think a part of us gives up on each other because we feel unloved or under valued when those we cherish don't reach out. What we need to realize is there may be a hurt or insecurity that keeps them insulated from even those that they desperately need. I know people who isolate themselves when they could really use a friend. Depression and loneliness leads us to withdrawal from the very people who could pull us back to joyful lives.

John 13:34   

A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

I think a part of us gives up on each other because we feel unloved or under valued when those we cherish don't reach out. What we need to realize is there may be a hurt or insecurity that keeps them insulated from even those that they desperately need. I know people who isolate themselves when they could really use a friend. Depression and loneliness leads us to withdrawal from the very people who could pull us back to joyful lives. 

Next time a friend seems to be pulling away, try to find out why. Then try to understand, pray, and let them know how ever long it takes you are always just a phone call away. This sounds a little preachy but I hope you all realize, I am writing this to remind myself more than anyone.

In Him,

Joyful
4-15-11