How do you feel when you are in the presence of someone you enjoy spending time with? It’s possible to forget the mundane everyday things; you are in that moment of time, the present, smiling, laughing together, sharing experiences, sharing the surroundings, just having a great time!
One of my friends and I took a walk one afternoon to Hampstead Heath in London, which happens to be a favourite place of mine. It has open space, lakes, woodland, hills and great views across London. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day, and as we walked, talked and laughed we could feel our stress fly away in the breeze. Life was sweet.
My friend had managed to find childcare in order to have some much needed chill out time. It was a refreshing and revitalising afternoon. We were free to talk honestly about our ups and downs, our success and failures. We could laugh at ourselves making a mess of things in our less than perfect lives. We thanked God for another day of life that we were blessed to see, and for the opportunity to have a friend to share with. It was like being high on life! What a buzz, outdoors, enjoying nature and friendship.
Every day may not always be like that. Sometimes things happen to disappoint us and discourage us, so we can easily forget those bright, happy days. However that is when it is really important to “call a friend”. At times our friends can be busy with their own lives and situation. When we call they may not be available to talk or meet up for a catch up. That’s why we have a special friend in Jesus, He is never too busy for us to talk to, and we can share our worries, fears, have a cry or laugh. I think Jesus wants us to feel comfortable in His presence. To let our hair down and speak from the heart, we have a friend in Him each and every day.
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
Jesus can give us the joy we need to make our day rise above the challenges we are facing. I would encourage you to spend some time in his presence today, also reach out to someone else today. Brighten somebody’s day through a friendly call, text, or visit. Cultivate your friendships; invest time in your friends and family. We can all be a blessing to each other.
Be encouraged