Friends

As I predicted in January, this has been a year of growing!!!  I can honestly say that some days the growing pains have been nearly unbearable. Yet, it is in those times of trial that not only have I been changed on the inside but my perception of people and the world has changed too.  I began a journey that isn't done but even at this point only a few people keep steadily journeying beside me.  I don't fault the others for jumping ship for there are days I've considered it.  However, I'm still waking up in the mornings and that tells me that God isn't done working on this earthly vessel.
I was praying for a friend asking God what He would have me say and maybe a part of me was hoping He'd change His mind and send someone else; I was having a Jonah moment.  I was needing some grace....maybe that's why God sent me to the book he did. 
As I was praying and looking, God brought a passage from a book I had read to my mind.  I had to find it!  When I did I found the coolest quote about friendship.  It says, "Most folks figure a true friend is someone who accepts them as they are.  But that's dangerous garbage to believe.  The kid who works the drive-through at your local fast-food restaurant accepts you.  But a true friend brings out the best in you.  A best friend will tell you the truth...and a wise best friend will include a healthy dose of perspective."  I found it to be intriguing and double edged.  I want VERY much to be that friend, the wise best friend and challenged to see that some people (albeit a tad bit misguided from my perspective) have had that idea in their heart even if it didn't come out that way.  God reminded me of a friend who had to walk the steps God is challenging me to and I needed her to that person....I just hope I do as well on the other side of the conversation as she did and that grace will cover where I fail.
I'm still praying about what God would have me say!!!  However, I am also praying for courage, a clear mind, and an open heart....all of the above for both sides of the conversation.  He is faithful, good, merciful, loving, kind, loyal, and able to fill in my gaps.  I'm praying even now that He lays the ground work, that He makes me small so He can be BIG, that the enemy is bound, and that I run this leg of the race well.