The Blessings of Friendship

England. A country that's been brought to mind often, with the recent news of the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton. But I was thinking about the distant land for other reasons. A blogging friend of mine from England was in the states visiting her sister. She had contacted me to see if we could get together and meet. How exciting!

As we sat at Starbucks, sipping our hot beverages, I couldn't get over the fact that I was actually talking to Linda Meade in person. In this tech-savvy day and age, our writing and a love for the Lord had brought us together. More than followers of each other's blogs, we've now had an opportunity to meet face-to-face and begin a friendship.

It was fun to discuss our cultures. The similarities as well as the differences. Linda and her daughter, Laura, had shopped extensively while in the states, taking advantage of discounted prices. I realized that we have it pretty good in the United States in spite of the economic difficulties. But what really got my attention was Linda's passion for Christ. She shared some lessons she had learned, and how she desires to serve the Lord.

We talked about our churches and the importance of a close knit body of believers. How salvation is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and not in keeping a list of rules. It was such a privilege to share a time of praise. Two believers from different countries. I thought of the scores of believers all across the globe. A passage from Revelation came to mind, "After this I beheld, and , lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb," (Revelation 7:9-10; KJV). To think that heaven will be filled with believers from all nations, praising the God of heaven! Inspiring!

Before going our separate ways, Linda presented me with a beautiful box of stationary. On the inside of the box lid was printed Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Delighting in the Lord brought these two writers into a unique friendship!

Thank you, Linda, for being the embodiment of a friend. The book of Proverbs says, "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24a). You certainly did this by reaching out and making time to meet with a blogger buddy! I appreciate you!

Visit Linda's blogs: Simple Blessings, and Days Touched by Grace. You'll be blessed!

For those of you who blog, have you been able to meet any of your blogger buddies in person? What characteristics do you look for in a friend? Will you reach out and be that friend to someone else?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for the friends you bring into my life. Allow each of these relationships to bring glory to You. Help me to be mindful of reaching out to others in true friendship. In Jesus' name, Amen.