"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends"--John 15:13
If there is one thing that I know for sure, after living with a State Trooper for 26 years, I know that life can be over in the blink of an eye. As a pastor, I have also witnessed that firsthand. It seems that individuals will often say, "I just talked to so and so yesterday." And then life changed, and that person for whom we cared for is forever gone from this world. Sometimes life choices can end a life much sooner than anyone would have ever expected. Life is fragile so we have to be careful and make choices that are the "right" ones even if they are not the fun ones.
My act of kindness came in the wee hours of the morning. As most of my friends will say I am an absolute mother hen about drinking and driving. I know that my kiddos would echo that sentiment as I was always pushing them that adult privelages also require adult responsibility. I never ever want to lose a friend or a family member because that individual opted to have a few drinks and drive home. Hence, I am always, always willing to be the "designated driver" and I do so OFTEN.
My friend had a Christmas party last night. Christmas parties are often a once a year time to just cut loose a little and have some holiday cheer. Again, I am not opposed to this, but really never want to lose someone that I love and care for because of a few drinks. When she asked me to accompany her to the Christmas party and be her "designated driver" I immediately said yes. However, then I felt a bit awkward. I didn't work there and was this really someplace I belonged. Should I really be attending? Would people talk about the choice to help out a friend? And then, in typical Sheila fashion, I just jumped into the waters. After all, I would do anything for my family and friends . . . sigh . . . and sometimes caring for others means we sacrifice our own feelings of comfort for a spell.
I rode to the party with her mother, dad, and grandma, but then would drive her home in the vehicle she had driven. I found some mutual friends, tucked in, and remained as inconspicuous as possible. It was actually a nice evening with a lot of friends, laughter, and fun stories. It was exciting to watch as an organization celebrated the work that they do together throughout the year. It was amazing to feel the generocity as they gave incredible gifts to employees whose names were drawn. My feelings of trepidation eventually subsided and I knew that I had made the "right" choice.
When her mother got ready to leave, she came over. She stood behind me, put her arm on mine, and I told her I would get her baby home safely. Her mama said, "I know, I never have to worry when she is with you." As I think of that today, it brings tears to my eyes. If someone took care of my babies, I would totally feel the same way. We need to help out one another. We need to remember that giving feels awkward and uncomfortable sometimes. We need to know that helping out others can put us in situation that can be dangerous for us, but Christ put himself in the most dangerous of places for his friends. And in John's text he reminds us of that fact. After all, "There is no greater gift than to lay down one's life for a friend."
Friendship Blessings,
Sheila
Sarah Day 9--
In keeping with my mom's post for the day, my good deed also came at wee hours of the morning. Only, to change it up a bit, I am going to talk about the good deed that was done for me. I feel that it is important to recognize the good deeds that are done for me, especially when I know it may have been an inconvenience for the person doing.
Like my mom said, she and my father always taught my brother and I to call them for a ride if we were going to be drinking. With mom being a pastor and dad being a cop, this has been a rule that I have always understood. Although, up until today at 1:00 in the morning, I have never had to use it.
As I said yesterday in my blog, my good friends Kelly and Brett were getting married. I had been anticipating their big day for a couple of months, so I knew that it was going to be a good time. Well, I was right. It was indeed a good time! I spent the evening chatting, laughing and dancing with Jesse and a big group of our friends. By 1:00 AM, most of us had a bit too much to drink, so we all started calling for our rides. Normally, Jesse and I would be each others ride if we ever needed one. Unfortunately, that was not an option last night.
Well, I ended up doing what I was always taught to do, and for the first time, I called dad. I think he was expecting the call, as I had told him earlier in the day that I would be having a few drinks. Since dad is a cop and he has seen first hand what happens when people drink and drive, he was not upset at all by the 1:00 AM wake up call. In fact, I think he was pleased that I made the responsible decision to call him when I needed him.
Because of my dad being a police officer, I have had many rules nailed into my head over and over again. Most of the rules involved driving, and the rules were simple. However, if they were not followed they could have some terrible outcomes. Dad always told me to look both ways multiple times when driving, or crossing the street. He taught me to lock my car doors all of the time, and to check inside my car before I get in. He taught me to always be watchful of the people surrounding me when walking to me vehicle, just to make sure I was not being followed. And he taught me to never ever drive when I am tired, or when I have been drinking.
So today, I am thankful for my daddy and for always being only a phone call away. Him picking me up last night was just one small thing that he has done for me in the last 23 years, but it was very important. My dad has never let me down when I need him to be there for me. I am proud to have a mother and a father that I know I can call any day, any time and for any reason. I could not have been blessed with two better people to raise me. Someday, I hope my husband and I can be half the mother and father that mine are.
Love always,
Daddy's Girl
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