Thursday, September 2, 2010

Two Friends and a Boat

As I sat on the pier watching Carson and her best friend Abbey laughing and having fun in the canoe, I had no idea that I was learning a valuable lesson in friendship. In fact, it wasn't until days later, while viewing the pictures that I took of the two friends, that I realized I had witnessed some of the best traits of a true friendship.



One of the first being that real friends truly enjoy each other's company.



Another trait of a true friendship is that when one friend gets tired, the other one will take over and row for a while.



Still, another is that a true friend doesn't mind trading places once in a while just to see things from the other's point-of-view.



Lastly, and probably the most important trait of a true friendship is that once in a while, when one friend is going through a tough time, the only thing the other can do is sit quietly in the boat and just be.

When I began blogging in January it was mainly so that my girls could one day look back and see through my words and lens straight into my heart. Little did I know that I was opening the door to some wonderful friendships. At that time, I promised myself that, for the sake of my girls, I would be totally transparent with my feelings and not only blog about the good days, but some of the bad as well, so that they would never see perfection in me... and see instead someone who trusts in the one who is perfect. I hope that this is what all of you, my friends, see as well. This week, after having had a particularly tough week, I posted about not feeling well. I was truly touched by all of your kind comments and the prayers that were sent up on my behalf. I felt the presence of your friendship with each and every comment that I read. Thanks for lifting me up.

"A friend loves at all times, and brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17

20 comments:

myletterstoemily said...

what a perceptive view on friendship! don't
you find youself thinking more now that you
are writing?

i am so glad to have found your blog, because
there is such grace, wisdom, and transparency
here. i feel just as you do about the kindness
in the blog community.

blessings,
lea

Randy said...

Jamie and I are blessed with several good friends. They are there thru thick and thin.--Randy

Glenda said...

Beautiful, beautiful thoughts - and photos! As one of my favorite authors Reuben Welch says, "We really do need each other." It's such a blessing to "meet" and share struggles and pray for others whom we may never see in this life!

Blessed Serendipity said...

What a nice post on friends. Where would we be without the love of friends?

-Danielle

Relax A Little Bit said...

:::Tears in my eyes::: Just beautiful, I love what you wrote about your observations of Carson and Abbey. Your blog has always been a blessing to me.

From the Kitchen said...

Carla: This is a lovely parable. Friendship is such a wonderful thing. I wasn't prepared for blogging friendships. I had no idea it was even possible to have such a friend. I have been so pleasantly surprised and richly blessed in the short time I've been a blogger. Thank you for being one of those friends who have become dear to me.

Best,
Bonnie

Joan Elizabeth said...

"Real friends truly enjoy each other's company" a perceptive observation and why through blog land we do find friends .. they are people whose company we have selected because we enjoy it.

tina said...

Your children will be very proud to look back at this blog and relive memories, both good and bad as it may be. Hope you are feeling better soon and have a better week!

Allison said...

Oh, you have made me cry Carla. What you say about friendship is so true; I feel the same way. Your pictures are just perfect. I'm so glad to have stumbled onto your blog. Hugs.

F Cameron said...

What a wonderful, insightful post.

Bless you.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

I just found your blog and it's great. I really like the photos of the girls and how they demonstrate what true friends are like. Lovely posting. I hope you and your family have a great Labor Day.

Patti said...

What a lovely post. Isn't it amazing how we can find "life lessons" in so many circumstances.

While many friendships in our lives are only for a short season, there are those few friendships we each have that will be lifelong. And even in those seasonal friendships, we are blessed to have the opportunity to touch their lives in amazing ways and to encourage them during some dark days.

My daughter and I have both developed some amazingly wonderful friendships through blogging. In fact, my daughter spent 3 weeks with a blogging friend family this summer....2 weeks with them last summer. And 3 other young ladies visited at our home for 12 days in June. It really is amazing when you think about it...through the internet, sweet friendships have been formed and bridesmaids for weddings discovered.

Thanks for a lovely share.

Hugs,
Patti

Jill said...

Hi!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! You have a lovely blog here as well, and I will certainly be back to visit!
Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Jill

*Ulrike* said...

What perfect photos to share with us that story! Sometimes real friends can last a lifetime other times they can be there during a brief time period. Blogging friends will always be good friends to have around!
Take Care,
Ulrike

penny said...

Hi Carla,
What a wonderful gift you are giving not only your family but also yourself... and we who have the honor of reading your lovely thoughts.. and sharing our feelings as well.

It is so refreshing, thanks, my friend!

be Well, be Happy :o)
see ya later gator...

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

Thank you for this thought-provoking post. It is better to have just a few real friends than a hundred of 'fans'.

Cindy said...

Carla,
As I have written before to you, I feel as if you and I are kindred spirits!
Thanks for being my friend!
Cindy

Richella Parham said...

What a wonderful post! Your photos are beautiful, as usual, and you've made some really good points about friendship. You're very perceptive--and very dear.

Southern Fried Gal said...

What a BEAUTIFUL post! Great words and pictures of wisdom! I hope you are feeling better and enjoying your Labor Day weekend.

Soňa said...

Velice krásný příspěvek a fotografie.Nádhera!Moc Vás zdravím a přeji krásný slunný podzim!Soňa