“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Prov. 17:17).
Recently, I had a very difficult day. That statement might seem odd to some considering the year we just had, but what happened that day I had no control over. I thought I had done everything to avoid the conflict that occurred, but I was wrong. Here I was, having to deal with something I did not know how to fix.
Those who know me are aware of certain parts of my life, but I don’t like to share most things. I feel like everyone has enough drama going on that they certainly don’t need to hear all of mine.
It’s hard for me to understand when the Bible talks about doing life with other people — about allowing the people in your life to help you during those really tough times. Even Jesus had 12 close friends to walk with Him and share life with, so why do I think I can do it on my own?
On that very difficult day, I thought I was holding it together pretty well until I realized I wasn’t. I didn’t intentionally share information about what I was going through, but my emotions got the best of me and it just all came out.
What I had been trying to avoid was sharing the ugly parts of my life with the people around me, but there it was for all to see. And then the most amazing thing happened. They didn’t judge me or tell me how to fix it, they just encouraged me, loved me and told me that even though things were difficult now, they would get better.
So while I’m still dealing with the situation that occurred, I take great comfort in knowing this season will not always be a part of my life. People do care about what I’m going through and want to know how to pray for me.
The lesson I learned that day is shown in the example that Jesus gave us. Surround yourself with good people, let them help you and encourage you. Just know that one day, you will be able to do the same for them.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).
