In Others’ Words: Being an “Appropriate” Friend

With all due respect to Mr. Howe, I don’t think friends mean to annoy us when they ask, “Is there anything I can do?” when times are troublesome.

Most often, they are sincere in their desire to help.

But Mr. Howe is also right. It is often best to skip the asking and get right to the doing. Take a few minutes to think: If this were me, what would help me? It’s the whole “Do to others as you would have them do to you” principle. A truly Golden Rule worth following.

Last week was full of friends stepping up an doing for our family.

Setting up meals for our daughter and son-in-love, whose newest daughter, Coralea, spent several days in the NICU.
Holding an impromptu painting party at our house so that the bathroom and guest bedroom will be ready when my friend, Rachel, visits next week. Because, yes, the best-laid plans do go awry just when you least expect it — or need them to.
Coordinating blog posts for me — and yes, it may be part of someone’s job, but it’s still a ministry and still comes from the heart of a friend.
And prayer … the beauty of being wrapped in prayer, before, during, and after I’ve asked for it.

 

In Others’ Words: When has someone moved past asking and done just what you needed, when you needed it the most? And if you could share one “appropriate” thing for friends to do in a time of need, what would that be?

In Others’ Words: An “Appropriate” Friend #inotherswords #lifequotes #friendship
Click To Tweet

The “doing” part of being a #friend #inotherswords #GoldenRule
Click To Tweet