PresbyCan Daily Devotional

Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NASB)

Have you ever seen a double rainbow? I have. I have seen many rainbows in my lifetime, but only two double rainbows on two separate occasions.

There are seven separate colours in a rainbow. Although it can be difficult to always see all seven colours (depending on the conditions outdoors when the rainbow appears), every rainbow contains the following colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

As I reflected on the colours of the rainbow, I thought about my friends and how each one adds a different hue to my life. One friend is a good listener, whereas another one is very helpful and is there when you need her. Acquaintances are many, but friends are very few. Often, we can count our friends on one hand. Cherish your friends. True friends will be there for you when you are going through a rough time, and that was the case last week.

I was experiencing a distressing time a couple of weeks ago and just needed to talk to one of my friends. It is such a relief when we can share with a friend who just listens and listens and listens some more. No comments, just a listening ear. I felt like a huge burden being lifted off my shoulders.

It was a couple of days afterwards when the local florist called and asked if I would be home, as they had a bouquet of flowers for me. I said "yes" and waited, trying to figure out who would send me flowers. The bouquet finally arrived. When I opened the card, it said:

"A Flowery Expression to Brighten your Day. With Love and Friendship, Helena."

My friend, Helena, indeed brightened my day. Not only did she listen to my misery, she also sent a gift to cheer me up!

You may say, "What about me? I don't have any friends or family that I can talk to. I can't communicate my problems with anyone." As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "The only way to have a friend is to be one." My friend, all you have to do is reach out and ask for help. There are so many wonderful agencies, organizations, and volunteers that are willing to lend a helping hand. Friends come in different shapes and colours, just like in a rainbow, each one bringing and sharing their varied gifts.

Galatians 5:13 – For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (NASB)

Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (NASB)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for sending us cherished friends, even through various agencies or volunteers, when we need someone to talk with or just to listen. May we, also, share our time and gifts with others who are in need. Amen.