Sunday, April 4, 2010

The gift of friendship


It has been a little while since I've had a chance to put up a post and visit you. Let's just say that once in a while, life happens. It shows up with its peaks and valleys and it makes it clear that an unplanned period of time away from the computer is the right thing to do. I've always tried to prioritize my life appropriately and this little break was much needed.

Having said that, if any of you are still around, I'm glad that you've stopped by for a visit!

Over the past several weeks, I've had a chance to get together with some of my girlfriends for morning coffees, lunches, walks, chats and most importantly for time spent in prayer. It really has made me treasure the blessed gift of a close friendship.

Friendships are to me one of life's sweetest blessings. And what a wonderful thing it is to bring a smile to a friend's face? Or to receive one. Why just the other day, as I went to the mailbox....



...no, there wasn't a puppy in it, but I simply had to post that picture because, well, it's just so cute!

Back to the mailbox. I went to get our mail, and in doing so, I received a smile in the form of a beautiful card that one of my girlfriends had sent me. It was just to let me know she was thinking of me and to remind me that God is always by my side.

I was amazed that such a simple gesture of friendship and thoughtfulness could have just about the same impact as though I had received a hug!

"Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another."

- Thomas Hughes

When I read this quote, I was reminded of the power of friendship and my heart was even more thankful than before for all of my friends. How wonderful it is to be the recipient of someone's thoughtfulness and kindness! And what a sweet blessing it is to reciprocate and let our friends know how much we love and care for them too. :)

Thank you for stopping by and may your heart be filled with love and friendship, today and always!

{hugs}

17 comments:

Debbie said...

It's so good to see you back. We do miss our friends when they have to take time out, but 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' :D
What a beautiful post. You are indeed blessed to have good friends. I think God uses them too to send a love message to us. Good to have you back among us!
Hugs, Debbie

Linda said...

I'm glad to see you back too Melody. You are right - close friends are a precious gifts from the Father. To know there is someone you can call no matter what time of day or night and that they will pray and encourage and just be there - is wonderful.
I think your time away has been a truly enriching time.
Hope your Easter was filled with joy and love.

Lib said...

Great to see you back!You were missed!
Lovely Post!What would we do without our True Friends? I wouldn't want to try!
Have aBlessed week!
Blessins',Lib

Nanette said...

Hi Melody,
Been missing you and very glad to hear you are okay. Friendships are very special and a treasure for sure!
Valerie

Elena said...

Oh, that is so very sweet. Friendship are like gold, very precious!

ChaChaneen said...

Face to Face friendships are ALWAYS better than electronic ones... every time! But I'm still grateful to enjoy ours!

Happy Easter and blessings from my family to yours!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post, Melody! I don't know what I would do without my best friends. They always make me smile!

Susan B said...

It was nice to see a post from you. True friends are a real blessing in life. Thank you for the lovely post!

Patty said...

My heart totally melted at that picture! Friends really are the spice of life ;)

Vee said...

I must tell you that I don't know if I've ever visited you before or if you've ever visited me, but I'm glad to be doing so now. I scrolled all the way to the bottom and I found that wonderful scripture from which you take your blog name. I wondered if your name is also "Melody."

Lois Christensen said...

Love that picture! And with my hubby gone, I do find that I need to spend some time with my friends also, which I did today. Glad you're back! Enjoyed this post!

Elizabethd said...

Lovely to see you again. Friends mean the world to me, the closeness of someone that you have known for 30 years, the new friends too.
God sends us some amazing people in our lives.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Keep your girlfriends. They are so very important on many levels. As a family attorney, I find myself often admonishing women to keep their circle of girlfriends, cultivate them. They will get you through some difficult thing. Sounds like you have a good group! C

Unknown said...

Glad you are back. I hope all is well and that you are enjoying the spring in your neck of the woods. Blessings!

valerie said...

I'm glad to see you back too!

I love your post about friendships. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life too. I never want to take that for granted.

What a great quote!

I'm so glad you were blessed with a special card in the mail. It really doesn't take that much time to do something like that and it always brings such a smile to the recipient.

Love,
Valerie

Tea Time With Melody said...

I am glad that I am not the only "Melody" that stepped away from blogging for a while. I feel so much better haha. I have a new outlook and glad to be back.

Raise Them Up said...

What a sweet, sweet post. Friends truly are a well of support and encouragement. I'm thankful for them, too.

I passed on a "Sweet Blog" Award to you today. I can't think of anyone more deserving. :) Have a wonderful day!