Box of Joy

I'm weighed down right now with life.  A father's death.  A son's struggle in school.  A transition in a key area of life.  Each one by itself is hard to deal with - but combined they feel like a punch in the gut.

I'm strong.  At least I've always tried to be.  I don't over-dramatize life.  I take things in stride - mostly.  Right now though I feel like I'm way over capacity emotionally.

Maybe you're there too.  Maybe you've been there.  If so, you'll understand why this loving act of friendship means so much to me.

I came home today from a tough meeting and there was a package on my front porch from a friend who I spent 3 days with a year and a half ago, but feels like I've known her my whole life.  She knows what I am going through.  She put together a Box of Joy for me.  A book called "One Thousand Gifts."  A package of journals decorated with scrapbooking materials.  A photo book (she is an amazing photographer) full of her own pictures of God's beautiful creation each with a Bible verse added.  A banner she made spelling JOY.  A bag of mini M&Ms.  A note saying that it was all packed with love (the most precious thing in the package.)  I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I write this.  What a special gift.

I hope that this struggle that I am going through won't last too much longer but if it does, I am so thankful for friends who love me and walk through the hard times with me.  It is almost worth it all to come home and find a Box of Joy waiting for me on my front porch.

A friend loves at all times.
Proverbs 17:17