A Little Experience

They say ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’.

I can’t say I ever understood what that actually meant. Does it mean that they will be a good friend for you, or they are the ones you should invest your time in? I’m supposing the latter.

I was just thinking tonight about how I was able to help someone out. This lady is going through a rough patch with her daughter and I was able to encourage her by sharing a similar experience I had with a friend.

Sometimes when crap happens we don’t really understand why. I believe these are the times when we grow and become a stronger person. Once we’re through, the situations seem so dissolve into blurred memories but I don’t think they should. They can still be of use, even when in the past.

Often times, especially if we are younger, we can feel like our experiences are cheap, shallow and not worth sharing. We can get self-conscious around adults because, really what do we know and what have we experienced that they haven’t? But if we can be confident in our experiences and the lessons God has taught us through them we can exhibit God’s glory to those around us. Even though some people seem to have it all together doesn’t mean they do and getting the courage to go the extra step with them can make all the difference. We shouldn’t be afraid and we should not doubt that God can use us simply because we are young and less wise.

In fact, in these ways, God’s glory can be shown even further, because what we do and what we say couldn’t really be expected, or explained coming from us. It comes through Jesus.

So when the next opportunity comes up, and a friend has a problem. Don’t override an experience of your own because in doing so you might deprive them of the encouragement they need.

Mum’s Stories

Mums. The past. Their past. Stories. Experiences. Uprooted emotions. Wisdom. Absently smiling in retrospect.

Have you experienced those moments when your parents tell them about their past? I sat with my mum tonight and it was really good. My dad tells stories all the time, reminiscing about ‘when I was a boy’ but my mum keeps her past bottled tight inside, but occasionally, very occasionally she turns the lid and a small breath of gas escapes.

I relish these moments and I know that sharing stories is the way it is meant to be, moving from generation to generation. Especially with my mum because I’m reminded that she was young like me once and she experienced the same things I am and also felt the same emotions.

I’m not sure how close you are to your parents but make an honest effort to be friends with them. Chances are they’re a lot more like you than you think. :)