She said my house looks nice…

She followed me up the steps of my home, into the living room.  Running late, after a succession of errands, my friend had beaten me home- she was going to help keep my children while I ran down the street to vote.   My kids had scrambled up the driveway ahead of us, and I came along behind with all of our various and sundry items from the afternoon.

I cringed as she entered the space.  Hadn’t we picked up before we left?  I thought sure we had, but it didn’t appear that way now.  She settled on the couch, and I, in my normal form, began tidying while we chatted…  gathering this and that, putting things where they belong, trying to make things a bit more presentable, as most moms are known to do.  I was thinking to myself, “Why didn’t I do those dishes in the sink, and wipe up the bathroom, and vacuum the living room rug, and, and, and…”  When she said,

“Oh Melody, your home always looks so nice.”

and she meant it.

I stopped in my tracks. “Thank you,” I said, feeling doubtful.  We spent a few minutes catching up and then I dashed out the door to a local church to do my civic duty.

My friend, she’s a wife and mother of three grown boys – a grandmother now – and she knows.  She knows what it is like to raise three kids in what seems like a small space, or what its like to end the day wondering where the hours went.   And she’s been good to remember those days gone by.  Do you know how I know she remembers?  My friend is an encourager.  I believe her experiences brought her to this place in my life, where she offers well spent words of sympathy, a listening ear when I’m in the middle of a struggle, and a heart that points mine to Jesus.

As I stood in line, out in the chilly evening air, I was warmed by her kind words.  Words that I’m not sure I deserved, but my heart was revived just the same by her kindness.    Isn’t this how I am supposed to treat others?  With grace and love, offering life, choosing the sweetest words when dealing with those around me.  Oh yes.   That is how I should be.    My friend  was such a good example to me today of these verses from 1 Peter 3: 8-9:

 ⁸Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; ⁹ not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful today, for this friend you have placed in my life as an example and mentor – and for the compassion and kindness she has shown to me.  Help me to treat others who You place in my life with this same affection. amen.