Gleanings for July 3

ATTITUDE

Proverbs 17: 17a NKJV: “A friend loves at all times.”

Proverbs 18: 24 NKJV: “A person who has friends must show they are friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Friendship is a precious gift! One of my special friendships began over 70 years ago. Pat Tripp and I continue to correspond and pray for one another. She included an interesting article in a recent letter:

ATTITUDE

“There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only three hairs on her head, “Well” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did and she had a wonderful day.

“The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and aw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmmm” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a grand day.

“The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only one hair on her head. “Well” she said, “Today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did and she had a fun, fun, day.

“The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “Hooray” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

“Attitude is everything!! Have a GOOD DAY! Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”

Does that touch a chord in your heart? It did in mine as I read it. It was also a challenge for me to be grateful for the blessings we so often take for granted, the letter reminded me again to give thanks to my Heavenly Father for the friendship I have with Pat. Our friendship is founded “in HIM”.

Along with our activities in Youth Group at church, we enjoyed being on a Girl’s Softball team. She was the pitcher, I was her catcher. Since the men our age had enlisted for service of their country, we girls joined a Soft Ball League. We won the Championship three out of five years while in an organized League.

The “glue” that kept our ties strong was our unquenchable desire to draw closer to Jesus. Together we would study the scriptures and pray. The special friendship we knew at that time, encouraged me to pray that each of our children and grandchildren would find that kind of relationship one day.

Parents, pray for your teenagers! Prayer does make a difference. Our Heavenly Father hears and answers when we call on Him. If you are a teenager, please know that this “Grandma” is praying for you. You also must do your part to be the kind of friend who IS a TRUE friend—not just a “fair-weather” friend. Have a GOOD ATTITUDE! When your attitude is good, you will surely know:

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH!