One of my goals for this year is to grow in my relationships.
This morning as I studied my next section of the Book of Job, I read this:
11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him. 12 And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. 13 And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great. (Job 2:11-13 ESV)
THIS is a great example of what a true friend would do. It inspires me. So often I am quick to want to solve their problems, giving unsolicited advice and trying to fix whatever it is that is bothering them. Really, most of the time what people need is a listening ear or someone just to be by their side – to walk through a difficult time with them, to comfort them with a simple “presence”.
What a beautiful (and timely) example and reminder!
Raelyn Pracht 