Tuesday, July 08, 2008

God's Nudging


Cards placed on my music stand containing sincere encouragement to keep writing, from a woman I hurt with my words.

A personal e-mail.

An unexpected visit on a very bad afternoon at a time she should have been working, giving me someone to cry it out to.

A look of appreciation and warm smile confirming I am loved.

Flowers left on my front porch with a note reminding me of who I am and where I've been.

Just when I think what I do doesn't matter, along comes a friend telling me it does. When oceans of doubt threaten to pull me down, friends lift my head above the water. They are extraordinary people, really, unselfishly seeing what God has placed in me and taking the time to encourage it. Do they realize in their selflessness they buoy me? Do they know they are credited for any growth I make? Do they know they make me who I am?
“The Christian life is a pilgrimage. At times the road is difficult and we get lonely. Sometimes we may get discouraged and consider abandoning the journey. It is at such times that God will place a friend alongside us. One of God’s most precious gifts to us is friends who encourage us and lovingly challenge us to ‘keep going.’ “

By Henry T. Blackaby & Richard Blackaby from their devotional book, Experiencing God
My friends remind me no act is too small, no word insignificant. They inspire me to follow the Spirit's leading and heed His gentle suggestions to be a friend--go ahead and make that phone call even if it seems too late, risk it and take cookies to the lady you don't know that well, take the time to ask the question though the answer may take a while--for then He is truly at work in us. Then we experience the blessing of being used by God.

Lord, thank You for the precious, precious gift of real friends, of people who speak Truth into my life and nudge me along when I lose steam. Help me love them as well as they have loved me.


Visit Bonnie for more interpretations of this quote.

9 comments:

Denise said...

Enlightening and encouraging - thanks Tami!

Unknown said...

"My friends remind me no act is too small, no word insignificant. They inspire me to follow the Spirit's leading and heed His gentle suggestions to be a friend"

Amen, beautifully said.

Blessings.

Miriam Pauline said...

It does matter. As always, you bring such beauty and insight to the week's quote. Thank you!

Susan said...

Tami,

I'm so blessed E-mom sent me your way. I've never came over here and have not been blessed or greatly encouraged.

I truly enjoy your writing. I'm thankful you share this gift with us all.

So grateful for your friendship♥

Brenda said...

What an encouragement Tami for us all to reach out to our friends. I let life keep me too busy.

lori said...

Just when I think what I do doesn't matter, along comes a friend telling me it does. When oceans of doubt threaten to pull me down, friends lift my head above the water. They are extraordinary people, really, unselfishly seeing what God has placed in me and taking the time to encourage it. Do they realize in their selflessness they buoy me? Do they know they are credited for any growth I make? Do they know they make me who I am?

Girl...you really spoke my heart with those words....How perfect....
I pray that they know! I'm blessed that they walk with me on this rather "bumpy" road of life!

wonderful, wonderful words!
peace, lori

Denise said...

Such an encouraging post.

Bonnie W said...

Tami,
I love the way you started your post today with all the little things that others have done to reimind you of your worth. If only everyone would be obedient to the Spirit's leading and look for the little things they could do to encourage another!

Great post today. Thanks for sharing.
Bonnie

Emiley said...

Tami, I had planned to email you today, and now when I read this, I am even more excited to tell you what happened yesterday! I was out for the day with my kids and ran into a gal I knew in High School. I literally haven't seen her in over 20 years, but we both recognized each other and began talking. I have learned (from past times when I've totally blown it!) that if I just chit chat about this and that with her, and don't at least TRY to steer the conversation towards Jesus, I will be kicking myself afterwards. Then, I remembered your blog about just assuming that they are right there with us in the faith and speaking like we would to anyone of our friends - and it was SO easy! Thank you!! Thank you!! ~Emiley