The other evening, when I finally had some down time from the onslaught of typing papers and preparing a verbal presentation for my courses at school, I vegetated to the couch to catch up on a few programs I had TIVO’d.  Fast forwarding through the commercials (my favorite thing to do), I noticed that Who Wants to be a Millionaire is still on TV.  This brought to mind the phone-a -friend lifeline concept the show has used.   I’ve always wondered what time of the day the program was taped, and if a friend was called at three o’clock in the morning, would they answer the phone?    Maybe I’m a bit unusual in may way of thinking, but allow me a stretch with this concept.

Over the past eight weeks, I’ve been humbled by the friends my husband and I have gathered into our lives.  Friends have called us for prayer and encouragement, stopped by our home to drop off meals, and offered to clean our home while I have recuperated from surgery.  Their love has touched my heart immeasurably.  They have loved us well.

Unfortunately, there was a period in our marriage where we did surface level relationships.   We separated ourselves from deeper intimacy with friends because the glaring pain in our marriage would have been obvious.  Avoidance and isolation were the mode of operation, and we continued to walk this path until we were on the edge of a pit looking down into a hole of despair and could not see our way out.

What pulled us out of despair?  We called a Christian friend and took the first step toward openness, honesty, and wisdom.  That’s what God asks us to do  - seek wisdom when our vision is clouded, and we’re in need of a correct answer. 

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

I am grateful for the love and wisdom of Christian friends (lifelines) God has brought into my marriage.  Without them, I would not be committed to a marriage that is worth more than a million dollars to me.

Praying you find lifelines that will provide you with Godly answers.

A young pastor at my church recently wrote an amazing post on his blog about the journey he has witnessed with his grandparents, and their recovery from an accident.  His words are an excellent reminder of how to love your spouse even when you think no one is watching.  The legacy of love we will leave behind is something to contemplate.

I’ll prepare you now - grab your kleenex box.

Check it out at Junk Drawer Spirituality.