Coming out of Thanksgiving week, I continued to reflect on all of my blessings. Having spent time with some of my friends over the holidays, I began to see how God had blessed me with some natural grace friends. Let me describe what it is like to be with a grace friend and see if you can identify yours.
Attributes of Grace Friends
First, I am always excited to see them pop up on my phone or stroll up the driveway. These friends always fill me in so many ways that it is uncanny. I always seem to get more from our time together than they ever could from me.
They know when I need encouragement and support and have a knack for knowing when something is troubling me. We share common interests — Ole Miss football, fishing, food, or my faith in Jesus Christ. Conversations flow with ease, whether they be serious or full of folly and fun.
They provide me with life perspectives that make me a better person and are genuinely heart-refreshing. Their transparency about their struggles, weaknesses, and temptations makes it easier for me to own mine. I can always count on them to make eye contact, listen, and share kindness.
They know how to insert their thoughts and wisdom without being pushy and don’t make me feel judged or wrong. They are loyal even when I am wrong, and I can always count on them even when I might not be in my best form.
They bring joy and meaning to my life. We all need grace friends in our lives. Who are your grace friends?
Express Our Gratitude
I thank God for blessing me with my grace friends: Alan Purdie, Steve Napier, Bruce Walt, Dee Boykin, Kris Cole, Father Albeen, Dave Stende, Daniel Burrus, Tim Bartz, Bobby Reed, Hugh Parker, and Stacey Horne. I’m blessed with many friends, as I am sure you are, but we also get some really cool grace friends, and we should let them know we appreciate them.
Coincidence
God lets us plan, and then He puts us where we need to be. I had literally just completed this blog and saved it to my computer. When I closed it out, there was an email coming in that very moment from one of my grace friends who I did not list above because we have never met in person. However, God reminded me that this has been one of my grace friends, and just like I wrote above, he filled my heart with joy and encouragement. Drayton Mayers, thanks for being my grace friend and for your kind words and encouragement today.
Rest of the Story
CeCe: Am I not your grace friend?
Me: Of course, CeCe, the best one and most important one of all.
CeCe: I didn’t see my name on your list. It reminds me of when we were in the taxi in Las Vegas.
Me: Hey, this is Bruce calling me about fishing tomorrow, I need to take this…
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