In friendship, especially those deep friendships which suffer trial, there is a need for continual grace and forgiveness. I am the lucky recipient of such friendships.
Over the past month or so, I have had one friend drop everything to sit and cry with me. Another friend has been on her knees to such an extent that I feel her prayers carrying me. She also stayed up until nearly 3:30 one morning with me, chatting and giggling like schoolgirls at a sleepover.
In expressing my gratitude to the latter of these two friends, I said "I don't know why you love me so much." To this she replied simply, "The Lens of Grace."
It is through the glasses of God's forgiveness, love, and - yes - grace that we are able to stand side-by-side after seven years of friendship. We've both hurt one another. I failed to be there for her during a time of great need and she has wounded me as well. But we've pledged to be faithful. Our friendship has gone through ups and downs; I don't doubt that more challenges will face us in the future. But I am eternally grateful for her love and forgiveness. It is a love unmerited and a forgiveness unearned. I simply pray that I can be as great a friend to her as she has been and is currently being for me during this epoch.
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