“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:15-19)
I’m Thankful for My Friends!
“Mom, are you SURE that Blessings needs to move to Ndola?”
“Yes, Martha, she must. Her father got a job working in the copper mines. They are shifting today.”
“But why do all my friends move away? That is the third one that has moved this year. I will only have Rita left!”
“I know it is hard, my daughter. Families need to go where the work is. We are happy that Blessings’ family is now able to be together and have money to live. This last year has been hard on all of them with their father already in Ndola. Being together again will be so good for all of them.”
“Yes, mother, I know,” Martha said as she left the house. Her bare feet kicked a rock on the dirt road leading to Blessings’ house. She held back tears as she thought about all the good times with her best friend — walking to school each day, eating lunch under the mango trees at school, pretending to be mommies making dinner or taking care of their babies, singing songs, dancing at church, working on homework together, and sharing secrets while cooking nshima on the braizer. Memories flooded her mind with each step towards Blessings’ home.
Rounding the final bend, Martha could see Blessings with her chitenge securely strapped to her back holding all her belongings and clothing. Her mother and father were there as well with bundles on their heads and backs. They were all ready to walk to the bus terminal. Even little Michael was carrying a box which was as big as he was.
“I’ll never have a friend as good as Blessings,” thought Martha.
Blessings turned and saw her friend just a bit down the lane from her home. Both girls smiled and then darted towards each other going full speed. Meeting in the middle of the road, the girls embraced. They swayed back and forth in the tightest hug of their lives. This was a forever hug…one that each knew would probably be their last. Travel in these parts was a rarity, an expense that most couldn’t afford.
As the two continued to hold each other, Blessings’ mother interrupted them. “I’m sorry girls, but we need to get to the bus station. We don’t want it to leave without us.”
With tears streaming down their faces, the girls parted and waved goodbye. Martha instantly knew a part of her heart would be going to Ndola. “Blessings”, yelled Martha, “I love you like a cup of milk!”
“Well, I love you MORE than a cup of milk!” replied Blessings. Each girl giggled at the response.
Martha stood in the road watching her friend walk away. While tears flowed down her cheeks, she prayed, “Thank you, God, for giving me a friend like Blessings. Even though I do not like that she is shifting, I am thankful that You are providing for them. You will be with her wherever she goes. Thank you for being faithful to provide new friends for me as well.”
THANKSGIVING DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
On your list from yesterday, did you write that you were thankful for your friends?
What was Martha thankful for in this story? Why was that such a blessing to her?
Tell me about a friend who you are thankful for. Why you are thankful for him or her? What qualities does he/she have that make him/her a good friend? What would your friends say about you? Are you a good friend to them?
If you don’t have any close friendships, how can you change that?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 describes friendships like this:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Summarize these verses in your own words. What do you think the “cord of three strands” refers to?
THANKSGIVING ACTION ITEMS:
~ Make cards for your friends telling them that you are thankful for them. List the specific things you are thankful for.
~ Parents and teens: call, email, or text your friends as well. It is always a good thing to encourage your friends no matter their age.
~ Download these papers for your children to write and draw what they are thankful for today. (Make one each day of this devotion series.)
THANKSGIVING SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION:
Psalm 100 is a classic portion of Scripture for our families to memorize during this Thanksgiving season. While some families are accustomed to memorizing verses, this may be your family’s first time. Pick either a verse or two or the whole chapter to work on these next 10 days before Thanksgiving. It will be a sweet memory from this holiday with your family. You may even want to challenge your family to memorize these verses. You could say them together at your Thanksgiving celebration. Click HERE to download a FREE printable of Psalm 100. If you need ideas on how to memorize Scripture as a family, click here to see some of my favorites.)
(If you have already memorized Psalm 100, try Psalm 95 instead.)
THANKSGIVING PRAYER TIME:
Thank God for your friends by name, telling God the specific things you are thankful for. Ask Him to help you be a better friend and know how to cherish your friendships more. Also ask Him to provide meaningful friendships to your whole family.
Would you like to learn more about our work in Zambia, Africa? Please click the link here to see information about Family Legacy Missions International.
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