How can you tell if you are a good friend? A woman whom I’ve known for about two years is a perfect example.
She happens to share my name, and she decided the first time we’d met that she would be my friend. I don’t remember her ever asking me for anything, but the sweetness of what she brings to my life is immeasurable.
“Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master” (Proverbs 25:13 NIV).
She encourages me every time we meet, listening deeply to my concerns and offering a scripture or a prayer. I can trust her to think more about what I’m saying than whatever is going on around us. And if I voice a need of any kind, she pursues ways to see me at peace.
“Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble” (verse 19).
She put her hand on my arm a year ago when she saw me concerned about my family, and with a tear in her eye, she vowed to pray for each one by name. She asks about them and prays for them still – one year later.
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked” (verses 25-26).
My dear friend refreshes my soul, always bringing me good news, and I thank God for her. Are you a friend like that to someone you know?
by Kathy Sheldon Davis
kathysheldondavis.com 
Brenda, friends like these are a precious gift. Fifty years ago my grandma Beneta boasted that her friend would love her no matter what she did. They were close till death separated them. Isn’t that amazing?
What a sweet tribute to your friend! It was also a great reminder to always be grateful for those “everyday” things my amazing lifetime friend does to show me her love. We share a heart for God, lots of great stories, and many tears and laughter! Great post, Kathy!
I have a feeling my friend doesn’t even know she’s a remarkable friend. She just loves caring for others. I think that’s likely true of you, too, momstreit!
Don’t know if I am a friend like that, but I have a friend like that. God gave her to me four months ago. Like your friend, she simply decided the first time we met that she wanted to be my friend. What a blessing! Thank-you for the reminder. I pray that one day, I can be that kind of friend. 🙂