Mirror Blessings

Some days hurts come as quickly and as frequent as life happens, and yesterdays was no different. Same ol hurt makin it's rounds yet again. Although this time, the thorn in my flesh must have hit a nerve because I handled the pain very different. This time I remained open and immediately text a friend who knew the situation and I was able to share my heart and my anger. I was also, only by God's grace, able to see a possible connection between me fighting to remain open to My God, and this hurt possibly not coming from God, but coming as a hindrance in order to keep me closed toward Him. Hummmmm... My sweet friend was kind enough to take time out of her busy day to sit with me and talk through things. God has been so good to give me close friends that care enough to point me to Christ at all costs, no matter how painful it may seem at the moment, and no matter whether I want to hear it or not. She encouraged me with her love and care and challenged me to seek God, the Lover of my soul and the only one who is faithful in every moment of this life that at times can seem so out of control. She hurt with me, she listened, but most importantly she reflected the image of Christ as a mirror and encouraged me toward Him who I needed to run to.
As the day went on and I sifted through the emotions, I fought tooth and nail to keep my heart open to God, to keep from slamming that door in His face yet again. After watching a movie for some emotional escape I realized I wanted Him in this, and that my heart was still open to Him. I cried myself to sleep as I prayed for protection, faith to believe and trust to run to Him, and strength to keep the door open and talking to Him. I figured, well, if I'm gonna have to hurt, might as well hurt with Him than without Him.
As always, things look at least 80% better in the mornings. There is just something about a new day, a fresh start, and sunshine! Even on a Monday! :)
When I got to work another precious friend, who had no clue what was going on, sent me scripture by text. She doesn't know it, but up until today her texts have been the only Bible I've been reading the past month or two. God is so gracious to give me real, honest, and loving friends that long for my relationship with Him to be restored and grace to be evident in me, even above enjoying a great friendship. Gospel centered, loving, truth speaking, wise friends are few and far between, therefore the ones that I have are more precious to me than gold!
Thank you ladies for being there for me in my time of need and for being sweet reflecting mirrors of Christ to me: In the way you give of yourselves, your time, your love and care, and most importantly the way you share your faith in God with me. I am thankful beyond words!
Here is the passage that my sweet friend sent this morning...
"Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem;
you shall weep no more.
He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry.
As soon as he hears it, he answers you.
And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction,
yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore,
but your eyes shall see your Teacher.
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
"This is the way, walk in it,"
when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
-Isaiah 30:18-21

Praise God for His mercy and grace which are obviously the only things that keep me going!