Gifts from a French Flea Market
My friend Deb recently traveled overseas and brought me
gifts from a French flea market. She knows how I love all things chipped, vintage
and French, so I was thrilled to receive a pink enamel bowl and three petite volumes by Alexander Dumas, the nineteenth-century novelist. The book covers
are detailed with decorative scrolling and the paper-thin pages are written in
French. These sweet French objects add charm to my home, but a friend remembering
me on her vacation and thoughtfully choosing gifts just for me means so much
more.
In an era of prolific Facebook friends and superficial, casual
aquaintances, sometimes the rare gift of true friendship is taken for granted. During
a recent emotionally unsettling season, my friends graciously listened and
offered invaluable advice, cheered and commiserated, encouraged and prayed for
me. I was overwhelmed by the generous gifts of their time, wisdom and support.
I want to be a better friend. I want to listen more and talk
less. I want to write a note to tell them why I appreciate them being in my
life. I want to ask if I can pray for them. I want to write the requests in my prayer
journal to be sure I follow through.
I am grateful for the one-of-a-kind perspectives each of my
friends contributes to my life. A new way to tackle a challenge I hadn’t
thought of. Advice about favorite lipstick shades. A kind critique of a piece
I’ve written. An expert view of the world of figure skating. An amusing analysis about my
latest fix-up date. All of these women share themselves with me in friendships
I treasure. This is one of life’s cherished gifts. Maybe I should let them know
that more often.
You just did! :)
ReplyDeleteI posted the photo of the bookshelf just for you! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing friend too!-- Amy :)
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are beautiful....
ReplyDelete