My Journal

Friends are priceless treasures in this world’s jewelry box of glittering gems. And they are as different as the sparkly diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires we choose to wear on our fingers, around our neck, our arms and even our nose! We all have that go-to person or persons we reach out to when we’re struggling, feeling blue, or just having a downright bad day. But there are also times when we recoil inside ourselves when troubled times are doing their best to pull us under and bury our joy.

I was reminded of this truth the other day when I walked by my living room wall where what I call my “Sugarman wall-of-wonder” canvas paintings hang, lighting up my room with love and JOY. One of my favorite paintings from the artwork in my series of Sugarman the Pony children’s books, is of Lenny, the pig, sitting very unhappily in a big mud puddle while his friends splash and play all around him. Yes, he has a bad attitude sitting there in the middle of his mess, just like we often do at times. But in steps (or should I say, trots) Sugarman and his barnyard buddies to help cheer up Lenny.

Now here is where we have to be careful as friends! For you see, there’s hot-tempered Lil’ Red, the young bull, who pops off with smart remarks and suggestions of vengeance and pay backs, which only adds fuel to the fire already simmering in Lenny’s heart and mind. (Yikes! Help me, Lord to zip my lips so I don’t do this!). Then we have Sugarman who offers wise words that encourage forgiveness and ways to love and reconcile our differences. And fun loving Tippy, the mouse, is all about looking at the trial from a different perspective that includes a mud party!

On a more serious note, we all have different personalities for sure, so let’s pause and ponder this a moment. What kind of friend are you? I love Hebrews 10:24 that says, And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Humor is also very good for the soul and usually we can find something to laugh about, even if it’s ourselves. That one works quite well for me! Proverbs 17:22 says, A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Let’s purpose to be that friend who helps cast light, heavenly light, onto uncomfortable situations, and find ways to help lift the burden from the shoulders of the one under trial by speaking words that bring life and not death. And, of course, always speak the truth in love which can be difficult, I know. Whether we are being a friend or receiving from a friend, we have a choice before us.

So what do you say, sister? How about a change in perspective? We can either wallow in the mud or make mud pies. Here’s to turning messy into a splash of joy!

As always, I’d love to hear your comments! And please share this post with someone who can use a smile or needs to be uplifted today.

Living to love,
Brenda