FRIENDS

A FRIEND

For the past few months, I have been receiving text messages every morning...they talk about hope, about Faith, about the Lord...and they come from one man.

He is a senior citizen, although he doesn't look like one, he looks very young, probably due to his positive outlook. I first knew him as my patient and as the father of my patients. Then I and my wife would often see him taking a stroll at one of the nearby malls, then we had coffee and started talking about life....then I sent him some of the notes and articles I've written. He thanked me and after that, sent me a message telling me that my writings were inspiring and asked me to continue as I seem to be a blessing to others....I was humbled by this man's kind words.

When I fell to gastric ulcers a month ago, he immediately sent fruits over. But more importantly, from that first cup of coffee, he has sent me inspiring messages each day. Sometimes I would wake up on the wrong side of the bed, or would feel so besieged with problems...then I would hear the beeping of my cellphone informing me of an incoming message....and it would be from him...and as if he knew what I was going through...his message would hit me where I needed it most....and I would pick myself up, say a short prayer, and hope and believe in the promise of better days ahead.

It is perhaps only human to lose some confidence, to fear, to have doubts. Then perhaps it takes good friends, great human beings to remind us, to hold on, to stay strong..the Lord listens, the Lord loves us.

Great friends are like "family", sometimes even more...and like our family,they become anchors from which we derive stability and strength. So when we thank God for giving us our family, thank Him also for the pleasure and the honor of having great friends.

 My kids asked why I put so much stock on friendship, this was my answer..."When your friend offers you comfort or a kind word, they remind you of God's concern and of His love. Whatever they give you, they are God's gracefulness in action. A true friend may be likened to God's image."

To my friends...thank you, words are not enough..but thank you!

God bless all of you!