“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved–loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves”.–Victor Hugo
There is nothing like the feeling you get when you KNOW that someone has your back. Each of us has experienced times when we feel frightened, completely overwhelmed, and you wonder if you are going to “make it”. I think of that sometimes when I am talking to my husband. His job involves a lot of stress and many deadlines. It always has, and it no doubt always will. I don’t mean that in a pessimistic way. It is just part of the occupation. He is an engineer, so there are always problems to be solved, software bugs to fix, and of course, deadlines to meet. It is overwhelming for him at times. All I can do is listen, be supportive, and remind him that he can make it through.
A friend of mine used to say: “you CAN do this”. She said it to her kids when they were freaking out about the enormity of a task. She’d say it to me. She’d say it to other moms in the neighborhood, if they were frozen in indecision in how to get their kids to do something. It was amazingly encouraging, life affirming, and loving. Of course, she had an amazing way about her, too. Her tone, her laughing eyes, her absolutely unequivocal nature. Trust me—you would totally love Pattie. I have known her for close to 20 years by now. I am blessed by her—and she would tell you I bless her right back.
She always has my back—and I hers. I mention her specifically, because our sons also were the best of friends. They, too, had each other’s backs. I was thinking about her this morning ever so fondly. However, I was not thinking of her because I was overwhelmed. Nope. This morning there was a glorious, gushing thunderstorm. That is a rare occurrence here, although it is the season when it happens on occasion. I had to smile because it reminded me of when we lived near each other in NJ and our boys were young. We’d let them run around outside in the pouring rain and jump in the puddles.
On those days we’d make potato soup together and spend the afternoon having lunch, watching the boys play, and we’d laugh, talk, solve the world’s problems. It was enriching in every way. We were ever aware of who had both our backs of course. But you see, God loves when we have friends that we rely on. Healthy friendships don’t stand between us and God—they become part of the circle of faith. When you need lifting up, remember: God is always, always there. If you need tangible evidence, look to Him and the friends who have your back. If you are overwhelmed today, remember: “You CAN do this”!
Just what I needed today! We can do ALL things through Christ. Amen! Thank U, Kate!
Thanks Susan–I’m always so glad to hear from you, too!! and AMEN!!
This is great, Kate–I Absolutely LOVE the poster/pic!! Is it copyrighted, or may I have it too?
I found myself entering the scene with you and your friend in NJ, making potato soup and having lunch, “solving the world’s problem”–Wow, I Enjoyed that!! God bless you–have a great weekend–love, sis Caddo
pulled the photo/poster off of FB—it is widely circulated, so I think you can use it, too. I would love it if you, and Pattie could sit down over a bowl of soup, sourdough bread and a heaping plate of freshly made brownies!!!!! we have s busy weekend ahead with lots of social activities for a change!
This so well written and encouraging. Thank you for posting. I want to join you all for lunch, too. 🙂
wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all have lunch together—ah—so wonderful!
Love the poster and the way you have described why this is important. Thank you!
Thanks Madeline! I appreciate your kindness 🙂