the friendship domino effect

you know those friends that constantly lift you up, are always there for you, encouragement seeps from every ounce of their being…and you know those friends who are constantly in need. in need of encouragement, support, a shoulder to cry on. i’ve been both. seasons of life toss us between the spectrum of these types of people. that is the beauty of friendship, of community, of truly walking life with one another. that’s what God had in mind when He created us. we aren’t meant to suffer and succeed, face joy and sorrow alone. i have found myself recently abundantly blessed by a community of people that are more than what i ever could have asked for. they love me and my family as if we were an extension of theirs. they allow me to enter into their trials, pray for miracles over their sick babies, celebrate triumphs with them. and they are there before i ask when i’m needing a little bit of encouragement.
the other day i invited a friend and her son over for a playdate. they showed up which would have been enough but she surprised me with dinner, flowers, wine, dessert and her husband to help watch the kids. she insisted that we were going to celebrate my birthday just “because we never did.” it was a blessing. just knowing that someone cares about you so much lifts the soul. it filled me up and gave me the energy to be that type of friend to others this week. it’s like a domino effect. when you care for others and fill their tank, they can turn around and provide the same to others. it’s just the way we were meant to live. right?