Tea and cinnamon rolls - When did you last make time for a good friend - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Having lunch or a day of shopping with a good friend is pretty special.  But, those few hours go by too quickly.  How many times do you wish for some extended times without an agenda?

Last week I went out-of-town to I spent some time with one of my favorite friends.  We’ve been wanting to get together for quite a while.  Finally, it was the right time for both of us.  And though I could have driven back and forth any number of times, she invited me to be her house guest for most of the week.  And it was wonderful.

 

Sugar Bowl Creamer and Teapot - When did you last make time for a good friend - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Mary Beth and I worked together for several years and I think we had the best working relationship two people could have.  After I moved away, we stayed in contact via email, but rarely got a chance to spend time together.  So these days of catching up were wonderful.   We had lots of laughs as we discovered how much alike we are in many ways.  Funny how you forget those things.  And it’s interesting how extended time together helps us to see them, too.

 

Creamer and sugar for tea time - When did you last make time for a good friend - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

One evening after we cooked up a delicious chicken stir fry, we set off to find some placemats or table runners for a photo shoot I wanted to do.   Our first stop was a dollar store near her home.  And then she got the idea that we should visit the fabric store.  It’s been a long time since I’ve lived near such a great fabric shop.  With dishes in hand, we spent the next hour-and-a-half laughing as we made our way through countless bolts of fabric.  And yes!  We did find something.  Actually two somethings.  Maybe three.  Though that third something wasn’t fabric related, instead it was a renewal of that team spirit we shared so many years ago.  Even though we closed up the fabric shop, our night didn’t end there.

 

Mint tea party - When did you last make time for a good friend - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Every night after supper we did something fun to cap off our day… like going to the lake to see the sunset and taking numerous photos followed up with indulging in a sweet treat, walking the mall to get the day’s “steps” in, and staying up late listening to each other’s heart stories.

 

DaySpring Teapot and Teacup Set - When did you last make time for a good friend - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

As fun as walking a greenhouse preparing for spring or a botanical garden filled with butterflies (and it was great!) it was wonderful to just be together, to share our hearts, and most of all to pray together.  We’ve both had our share of challenges in life, but it’s been God’s grace and prayer that have buoyed us through the tough times.  And isn’t it just like God to cause the closeness to come in the midst of trials more than in those easy days we enjoyed while sharing the same little office.

There really is something that happens in our hearts that endear people to us in new and fresh ways when we faithfully pray for them.   Maybe that’s why Jesus tells us to pray for those who hurt or mistreat us. (Matthew 5:44)

When did you last make time for a good friend - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

Please “pin” and “share” this image.

 

When did you last make time for a good friend?  Actually any friend?

Life gets busy… too busy.

I’m not trying to guilt you into hosting a friend for an overnight stay.  But, I am suggesting that we miss out on the richness of friendship when we’re too busy.  It could be lunch together or even a day strolling a botanical garden nearby.

I like hosting friends for tea or coffee or cocoa.

I love that uninterrupted time when I can listen to the heart of a friend.  And yes, I also love to be heard as well. There is so much grace in those moments.  That time we get to spend with our friend is so rich and wonderful, but don’t stop there.  Take time, actually make time, to pray together as well.  There’s something supernatural that takes place.

 

DaySpring Daily Grace Tea Set - When did you last make time for a good friend - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

If you’re wondering about this sweet Daily Grace- Teapot and Teacup Set and Daily Grace – Sugar Bowl and Creamer Set, they’re from DaySpring. (Edit: Now discontinued.)  Last spring I won these pieces in the DaySpring giveaway at The Inspired Room.   They are perfect for adding a bit of grace and spring to your table.

Thanks for stopping by today… your comments make my day!

 Wishing you... An Extraordinary Day!

Receive FREE inspiration like this in your inbox!  Sign up Now

Let’s connect!  Facebook :: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Google + :: Instagram

Sharing with these Extraordinary Spots:
Jann Olson + From My Front Porch to Yours + 3 Kids and a Fish + I Gotta Create + Between Naps on the Porch + Living Well Spending Less + Imparting Grace + Joy in Our Home + Nancherrow + The Charm of Home  + French Country Cottage + Snazzy Little Things + AKA Design + Design Dining & Diapers + Shaken Together Life + Uncommon Designs + Dwellings + Pinch of Joy + A Life in Balance + Carrie This Home + by Stephanie Lynn + My Mod Vintage Life + Cozy Little House + A Stroll Through Life + Stone Gable + My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia + Home Stories A to Z + Savvy Southern Style + Just a Girl and Her Blog + NY Melrose Family

Comments

  1. Julie says

    What a dear post and sweet sentiment. Good friends are such a gift.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Julie!! What an encouragement. Enjoy special times with your friends!

  2. Betty Brown says

    I love this and having a friend to go along side in our journey is wonderful.I know you have prayed for my sister with cancer and I wanted to say thank you and she went to heaven last night.MY heart is sad but We don’t have to watch her suffer.

    • Diane says

      Oh Betty…. I wish I could give you a hug in person. It’s so bittersweet because our hearts hurt, but there is joy in knowing that she’s in heaven and has complete healing. We had a friend with an amazing testimony in her 14 year cancer fight go home yesterday too. Maybe they’re meeting each other there. 😉
      May the God of all comfort be close to you in your grief. [[hugs]]

  3. Tonya G says

    Nice post 🙂
    I find it hard to make frinds with girls my age, it seems to be a competitive/defensive age I guess.
    Girls my age that I have met seem to be only interested in being the best looking, best dressed, best clothes etc.
    Maybe someday I will be blessed with a true friend, that would be a gift.

  4. Jann Olson says

    I do spend a lot of time with my friends. It’s always enjoyable. I have one friend that has been suffering with an illness and I really need to take the time to go visit her. Glad that you and your friend were able to get together! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  5. Cathy says

    Diane, I love this and really needed to read it today! It’s so important! It’s so easy to become consumed with the craziness of life that its easy to forget the importance of spending time with dear friends! Thank you so much for sharing this on Making Memories Mondays! 🙂
    Cathy

  6. Kim says

    Diane, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. What a blessed time you and your friend shared! I’m so happy for you to have received some “life refreshment” through a dear friend and change of scenery. I can just hear the two of you sharing laughs and tears. May God bless you both! <3
    Kim

  7. I’m so glad you got to spend this time with your friend Diane. Those times are precious! It sounds like you had a wonderful time and created lots of great memories. Praying you will have a wonderful week ahead!

    Blessings,
    Deborah

  8. Such cute tea ware! Thanks for joining HSH!
    Sherry

  9. Cindy says

    Sweet post.
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

Trackbacks

  1. […] at An Extraordinary Day shared a great story of Making Time For A Good Friend.  We all have busy lives but taking the time invest in relationships is so important and I […]

  2. […] About a year ago I acquired these lovely dishes.  I tell the story here. […]

  3. […] When Did You Last Make Time for a Good Friend? […]

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

*

AMAZON ASSOCIATES DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.