Oh, today is just perfectly beautiful. The sky is a deep dark canvas of tropical ocean blue. The birds are singing loudly and the March kite flying winds are blowing the last of the catkins from the old oak tree. The bamboo are dancing in time to the wind chimes’ sonata. The goldfinches are flitting around with the purple finches this morning, such a pretty contrast of plumage on the bird feeders. All the wondrous gifts of nature in the glorious spring day. Don’t have to count my blessings, they’re all around me today!

Almost sunset now, and the sun is kissing the tops of the trees at the end of the street. So pretty, like a mother bending over to kiss a child goodnight. The tip top of the trees are smiling back with their sunlit greenness, like a child smiling up their mother. I love the sun. Just makes you feel good when it warms your face.

I’m going to Alex City in the morning to spend the day and night with my dearest friend. We’ll have the best time thrifting and snacking and porch sitting. Friendship is such a gift. Of all our possessions, a friend is the most precious. When you go through trials in your life, turbulent storms that blow through unexpectedly, “a real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out,” Walter Winchell.

She was the first one I called when our daughter died and in her rush to come to comfort me and Chief, she ran out of her house in mixed matched shoes. We can smile about that now but it’s a true testament to the depth of love in our friendship. She rushed to our side when we needed her most. When I woke up the next morning and walked down the hall she was in Rosie’s room ironing our funeral clothes, quietly going about her chores unobtrusively. Never asked how she got in the house that morning, guess the Lord let her in.

“Friendship is a bond that is unbreakable, unchangeable, and eternal,” Rizbro Quotes. Friendship is based on loyalty and trust, a bond that’s built over time, a bond that’s cherished. Never thought about it till today but I think we’re friends with God, too. In John 15:15, Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

God expects nothing but faithful love from our friendship. Our bond with Jesus gives us peace and comfort through our prayers. God’s friendship can withstand any challenge that comes our way. He has no worldly desires but he expects us to believe in him, to accept him into our hearts through prayer and thanksgiving, and to be obedient to him and his teachings. Proverbs 18:24 tells us that “…there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Jesus is that friend, steadfast and always standing by our side. He cares for us, loves us, comforts us, and encourages us.

There will always be someone willing to hurt you, put you down, gossip about you, belittle your accomplishments and judge your soul. It is a fact that we all must face. However, if you realize that God is a best friend that stands beside you when others cast stones you will never be afraid, never feel worthless and never feel alone. 
― Shannon Alder