Day 2: Gratitude focus – A friend who listens to and/or encourages me

Quality or name of God – My Rock

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“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.” (W.T. Purkiser)

Ideas for demonstrating gratitude to the person of focus today:

»  – Send an email or, better yet, a card in the mail, to say “Your listening ear is one of my treasured blessings!” or “Your encouragement means the world to me!” Although that is plenty, feel free to include one example of a time when your friend exhibited this act of kindness.

»$ – Send a tea bag/bag of hot chocolate/coffee house gift card to your friend and say, “Your friendship is truly a blessing to me. Thank you for your listening ear and encouraging words. Enjoy some quiet time while enjoying this (gift you inserted)…and know that I am thankful for you!”

$ – Give some flowers, a bottle of her favorite bubble bath, a fall-scented candle, or a pair of inexpensive earrings (for her listening ears) to your friend—and be sure to include a thank-you note!

 » = free (+postage)     »$ = minimal cost     $ = cost involved

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When you find that rare gift of true friendship, you can open up and be 100% ‘you’ in front of your friend because it’s safe to do so. Last Thursday evening I had the privilege of being me, and I do mean 100% me, as I spent time with a dear friend! This amazing give-and-take friendship we have is one where both of us talk…and both of us listen. It sounds like an obvious element of any friendship, right? But I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s rare to find.

At one point in the evening—I can’t remember if we were laughing or crying at this point—I looked over at my friend and said, “You are such a rock!” By this, I meant that she is my “safe place.” Spending time with her fortifies my spirit and provides an unshakable strength that helps to make me a better person for having spent time with her.

How much more so did the psalmist have these thoughts in mind when he said,

“The Lord is upright;  he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” (Psalm 92:15, NIV)

The writer of these words was calling the very God of heaven his “Rock!” He is indeed a strong cliff, a boulder, an immovable force that will be there for us today and in all of our tomorrows! When I acknowledge the security that lies in that thought, I can be 100% ‘me’ before Him. He knows me…and loves me anyhow! He is the safe place where I can run, stripped of any facade, and pour out both the joys and the sorrows of my heart—knowing that He is listening and that He cares!

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Additional reading (for reading through the Psalms in 30 days):

Psalm 2, 32, 62, 92, 122

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MOMS: My dear friend Cheryl is participating in the Thirty Days of Gratitude and posted some great ideas here for having your kids join in on the month of gratitude. Thanks, Cheryl!

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I’d love for you to share what you think of when you read that “God is a Rock.” Feel free to leave a comment!