Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 KJV

 Today while eating friends with colleagues of mine I felt so blessed.  However, I consider them not only colleagues, but my very good and dear friends.  We worked together for so many years as a team.  We worked cohesively in every aspect, and always for the betterment of the residents in the nursing home. 

I am thankful to God for so many things, each and every day of my life.  For the past present and future…But, today I felt the blessings in abundance.  These wonderful ladies whom I worked with so closely brought such joy into my heart.

The Director Of Nursing, Kate-is a complete joy and a beautiful lady inside and out. As the Director of Administration and Social Services, so we were always conferring in our given roles.  She and I worked side-by-side so closely for over ten years.  And, we worked according to God’s plan. Helping those who “lost their voice” and “independence.”  The other lady, Marie – another complete joy and beautiful inside and out…was the Director of Human Resources and now currently the right-hand to the Administrator.  She is still working at the same place that I hired her so many years ago.  And still doing a dynamic job.

Even though we no longer work together in the same capacity…Kate has since retired.  And, I am no longer working at that facility, we still feel as if time stood still each time we meet.  We spend time reminiscing about the “old days” and the fun and chaos that was part of our daily working lives.  The tears, frustration, and the joy that encompassed that atmosphere. I am so thrilled the Lord blessed me with my calling.  The elderly.  Thank You Lord.

It was all part of God’s plan. All part of His perfect timing, preordaining our steps…bringing us into our realm of where we should be according to His plans.  NOT ours, but His. 

We all meet at least four times a year…we catch up and speak about the great days.  Some of our friends that were part of this circle have since joined the Father.  My best friend Barbara…the Director of Therapeutic Activities who was a gift from God as well.  And so many others, Peggy-a beautiful and kind Assistant Director of Nursing, and Jeremy. They have all gone on and are living with our Father now, creating their own kind of music according to His purpose in that dimension now.  We miss them and will cherish them always.

God blesses us with so many things in life and most times we are too busy to realize it.  Stop and take the time to thank Him.  Look up and smile and know He has His hands all over your heart as He guides you, and leads you. 

We sharpened each others countenance today.  We upheld our tradition and faith according to God and His plan.  We keep treasures that He gave us and welcome those to come. We give Him thanks for all He is and all He has done and continues to do. 

It was a beautiful day out, laughing and speaking with old friends. And, it was God’s day.  And, we celebrated it and grasped the miracle of friendship in our hearts as we all gave thanks.

Who knows how long we will be able to meet…God willing many more years, but whatever it is, we give thanks according to His will and His plan.  For that is the best of the best…His way and His will–not ours!

Give thanks to God for your friendships, they are gifts from above.

 But most of all give thanks to God for everything especially His Love…

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Whoever keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waits on his master shall be honored  Proverbs 27:18 KJV

As in water face answers to face, so the heart of man to man. Proverbs 27:19 KJV

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.  Colossians 3:15 KJV

Beautiful picture courtesy of Scott Birge – A wonderful friend~

"For if you forgive their tresspasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14 (NKJV)

The other day during a shopping errand while waiting to check out my items, I couldn’t help but overhear a conversation of two young ladies directly behind me.  “I wouldn’t forgive her if she was dying.  Stupid jackass that she is. It’s her fault anyhow she can go straight to hell.”

I cringed at the venom that was laced in her words.  It made my hair stand up on the back of my neck.  The other one replied, “Good. Never forgive her. She’s been calling me saying she wants to apologize. Yeah right, like I might ever pick up her calls.” This was followed by loud peals of laughter.  They were relishing this other person’s pain while ignoring her wishes to acquiesce. So sad.

I turned to glance at them both quickly. They appeared to be in their twenties. Very pretty young ladies, I wondered how much prettier they would be with compassion lurking in their hearts.  Don’t misunderstand, I am NOT judging them, and I DO NOT know these young women.  I am basing it entirely on their overt and heartless comments. This conversation went on for about five minutes, and it contained some colorful language as well.  All I’m saying is, if they won’t forgive…how then will our Father in heaven forgive them?

The entire sermon Jesus told the multitudes about forgiving, and turning the other cheek.  This is not just “words” but a way of life. We are to be as Jesus is. Our behavior is to be different from the rest of the world. We are to let our inner light shine to the rest of the world, to be an example…while walking in the ways of the Lord.

If Jesus Christ forgave the very people who scourged Him.  Who spit at Him, who nailed Him to the Cross.  How can we possibly in all things that are right, not FORGIVE? 

Physical ailments can crop up due to an unforgiving heart. Hurt, anger when not addressed can fester and bring on an unforgiving spirit. And, an unforgiving spirit can be treacherous to not only the person harboring it, but to those around them. It can be agony for their family members, friends and all who comes into contact with them.

“You have heard that is was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44 (NKJV)

When we leave this world, and we ALL will, that’s a guarantee…will your Father in heaven be able to forgive you, as you have forgiven others?  This is a question you should ponder daily beginning now.

So before you say, “I’ll never forgive him or her” think of Jesus, and how He died for us, and how He forgave those who crucified Him…

 
Picture courtesy of Scott Birge – Amazing photographer & Friend~