Friends

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes: 4:9-10

I realize this blog is a place to get a lift in your spirit and focus on the work of the Father, but I came across this verse and the first thing that popped in my head was the old “Life Alert” commercials that said “Help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” I know that has nothing to do with the meaning of the verse but it made me giggle.  After way too many hours at school trying to get my classroom ready for Open House tomorrow night I guess I’m just a little punchy!  You’ll be glad to know I paused and prayed for more focus!

Today is a big day in Westphalia!  Its Open House day and the children who will start school at St. Mary’s next week are either feeling great excitement or complete dread that Open House is the un-official beginning of the new school year. The students will all file into the building tonight anxious to see who their teacher and classmates will be. For some, the highlights of the evening will be the free bowl of ice cream and the fact that they get to dump off their gym shoes, tissue boxes and school supplies so they don’t have to lug them to school on the first day.  As for me…it’s one of my favorite days of the year!  I love Open House because I get to meet my new batch of “Little Lovelies” and say hello to all the others who hold the title of “Former Little Lovelies” I LOVE my job so beginning again with fresh faces, an uncluttered desk and all the excitement of new beginnings is something I really look forward to. There is also another element to the day that I get excited about and that is seeing all the staff after an entire summer apart.  The staff members at St. Mary’s are fabulous professionals and even
greater friends! We work together, we pray together and we laugh together (a lot).  
 
Our new school year together will begin in the most perfect way; at Mass, praying for His blessing on us and on the work we will do in His name.  This year we welcome some new faces to our staff family, that hasn’t happened in a long time and it’s exciting!  I honestly believe myself to be one of the luckiest women breathing because I work with such amazing, fun, faithful people.  We have shared weddings, new babies, grand-babies graduations and personal struggles. We have helped each other raise our children and strengthen our relationship with Christ.  I get to go to work every day with a group of people who care deeply about each other, who are passionate about their vocation and who laugh and pray easily together! How lucky am I!

This verse from Ecclesiastes reminds us that we are not meant to go through life solo!  God created us to need Him and need each other.  We are meant to share our joys, sufferings, celebrations and struggles.  We weren’t each given every gift and talent, we were meant to share them
with others and receive graciously when others share theirs with us. 
Sometimes we think we’re too busy to “play with our friends” but the
truth is we need them.  We need to laugh and talk and share.  We need
to support and help and laugh with each other.  We need to work and play and pray together.  It’s a great thing to feel supported, enjoyed and appreciated…that’s what friends are for.

A Seed To Plant:  Plan a get-together with a friend this week.  It can be lunch, dinner, a walk or even a chat on the phone…just connect! One more thing…jot down the names of all your friends and make sure you lift them up in prayer by name this week.

Blessings on your day!