“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom; his tongue speaks what is just.” Psalm 37:30 CSB
I have a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) buddy, her name is Caroline. Caroline and I have been buddies for awhile. We volunteered together for years, after our paths parted ways from volunteering, God brought us back together through BSF. I didn’t know she was a member when I joined. Now, each week, we sit together, silently taking notes from the speaker. We have our designated pew where we are to meet each week. Sitting beside her is a highlight of my week. We have about five minutes at the end of the lecture to give highlights of our lives, then we go our separate ways again until next time. Caroline is a wise woman who I have learned much from just by sitting beside her.
She is a tiny woman with the strength of David. Her strength is a quiet strength. I have watched her navigate life for the past 8 years. Her strength comes from the Lord. As I sit beside her and see how diligently she takes notes, how she listens on the edge of her seat for what God is telling her through the message, it is truly inspiring. I love watching someone chase after God as diligently as she does, she spurs me on with her actions. The stability Caroline helps me find in my faith comes from her steadfastness in the face of life issues. I’ve realized from her, it’s not the words you say, it’s the fact that you show up. I’ve watched Caroline go to the hospital with struggling families, sit watch by the bedside, bring the meals, pray over them. I’ve watched her serve endlessly for her church, meeting any need she can. She keeps showing up, she looks for what God is doing, then she joins Him in His work. I want to be like her when I grow up.
Caroline illustrates how important it is not to just know God’s word, but apply it. She searches the Scripture for what He has for her, then she puts it into practice in her life. She is a buddy who illustrates this to me, time and time again. But it is a lifelong journey, we never arrive, Caroline knows this. She knows each day is a new day with new challenges. She knows God’s mercies are fresh each morning. She knows who her best buddy is, she keeps in close contact with Him. She shows others how to do the same, just like she has shown me.
Today I’m thankful for buddies. What are you thankful for?
