Sister Friend

There have been times over the years that I really wondered if my girls even liked each other. There is 2 1/2 years between the older two and 3 1/2 years between the younger two. So, we have always been in different stages, different schools, and everyone had different friends. They were all close enough in age to pick on each other but far enough apart in age to not always understand each other. They have never all been in the same school and except for a few years, we were always in three different schools.


This year, my older two find themselves in a new season. They are in the same school again. But this time, they are not children. They are both young adults. And my heart has been blessed watching their friendship grow into something new. Katie is the typical oldest child and big sister. She is a nurturer by nature and she has been so sweet to her sister during her transition to a huge university. Ansley appears to be completely self-sufficient and sure of herself on the outside; but it has been very evident how much she has appreciated and needed her sister during this transition. I have always prayed that my girls would have a bond that would carry them through the tough times of life. I am watching those prayers be answered.


Sisters can make really good friends. Not always, but if we allow ourselves to love unconditionally, a sibling can be that friend that sticks with us through all lives ups and downs. They are family. They know everything about us. And they love us anyway.


As I was having my quiet time this morning, the scripture reading was Proverbs 18:24. "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother." In this case, a sister.


I love my friends. I love my brother. When life is hard and I need a hug, I have those people that I can run to. The physical touch or verbal affirmation that I need is found with those people. But, when it is dark and everything is quiet, my spirit needs more. The Bible is very clear that we can have a Friend that sticks closer.


Don't you love it when you are reading a scripture and then the Lord confirms it somewhere else for you. As I continued my quiet time this morning I read this in my Jesus Calling devotion, "I created your brain with the capacity to know Me as Friend and Lord simultaneously." Jesus can be our everything.


If you have a friend that feels like a sister or a brother or you have a sister or brother that is your best friend, then count your blessings. Guard that friendship and be a good friend back. Love them at all times and enjoy the hugs and smiles. But for those times when you still feel alone and you just need someone Who sticks a little bit closer, remember these things:

A friend can cry with you but Jesus can wipe away all your tears.

A friend can pray with you but Jesus can answer your prayers.

A friend can share your storm but Jesus can calm your storm.

A friend can stand by you but Jesus can stand for you.

So today, as you are being a friend or needing a friend; remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made with a built-in Friend who sticks so close and never leaves you or forsakes you. Reflect that friendship to those around you and tell them that they can have that kind of Friend too.