Gratitude Challenge - Month 2 - Day #39

"A true friend loves you for who you are, celebrates your wins, grieves your losses, tells you honest truths, covers your back and no matter how much time you spend apart, picks up right where you left off with no hard feelings." JLW

True friends are rare and hard to come by. I wrote that quote on friendship with my best friend in mind and my prayer for all of you is that you have a friend like that in your life. A true friendship celebrates differences, loves unconditionally, believes the best in you, wants the best for you and isn't afraid to be honest with you if they think you're off base. It's someone to laugh with, cry with and walk through life with. Someone who doesn't judge you and listens when you need an ear.

On Day 9 we reflected and wrote in our gratitude journals 30 reasons why we were grateful for a good friend in our lives. Today, I want you to think about that friend and think about what they need in their life. If you're a person of faith, pray about what they need and would mean the most to them.

Once you've reflected, think about one thing you can do for them that they need or would appreciate. How can you truly bless them for being the amazing friend they are in your life. The goal today is to get away from writing a note or giving a gift (unless one of those is truly their love language).

Think about the kind of person your friend is. We typically give the affection we crave and desire so if someone's love language is quality time, you will see them spending time with others and that is where their joy is. If someone's love language is gifts, you will notice them giving a lot of gifts to others and it brings them great joy. The same can be said for words of affirmation or acts of service. Physical touch might get a little weird if that's your friends love language so outside of a hug you may want to consider other options.

As you're thinking about what type of friend they are, and you have an idea of what their love language might be, think about something you can do to serve them in the area they receive love.

If it's quality time, you can invite them to do something with you like grab coffee, play cards or something else they may enjoy.

If it's gifts, think of something that will help or bless them. This doesn't have to be an expensive gift but something that says you are thinking of them and value them. It could be anything from a handmade card or maybe a puzzle you put together of their favorite things to a $5 gift card to their favorite coffee shop or if your budget allows, it can be more.

If their love language is acts of service, think about their daily routine and things they are responsible for. Then choose a day to take something off their to do list.

If it's words of affirmation, a note may be appropriate or even recording a voice memo that you can send them. Put some thought in and ask yourself what they would want to hear or what you would want to hear if you were them.

Set a plan and a date to show love to your friend and add it to your calendar so that you walk it out. You never know what kind of impact you will have on their life. So many people are crying inside for love and affection from their spouses, family or friends. You might be the answer to a prayer they've been secretly praying for a long time.

I love you all and believe in you! You're going to do great things in your life and I'm so grateful that I get to share a small part of your journey with you.

Let's win together!

Blessings,

-J