Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow Me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed Him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for Him, in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at the table with them. (Part of today’s readings Luke 5:27-32)
When I read this today I thought, “How often does the Lord call me to be friends with Him, and I do not answer?” I can say there have been many. At times we get so caught up in being “servants” of God, we forget He desires our “friendship” as well. This lead me to thinking, “What do we do with our friends?”
Some of the best days of our lives are spent with our friends and family members. We share meals with them, much like Levi. We go shopping, play golf, ride horses, laugh, cry, take walks, and share our inner most secrets. When they ask us to “go with them” we never hesitate.
Jesus walked with the Apostles on earth calling them “friends.” The “grace” of friendship with our Lord, is a wonderful thing. He wants and desires to be our most “Intimate Friend.” Like most of our friends do, He forgives us all of our failures.
St. Faustina said, “Lord help me not to waste your graces.” I know in my life, this is one I have wasted many times. The “grace of friendship.”
I think we would be so much happier if we would settle down, and be “friends” with Jesus. Quit stressing over all of our failures, trusting in His mercy and forgiveness. Sit down or go for a walk and have a talk with Him. Most of all when He calls do like Levi, “Get up and follow Him.”
We must understand many different graces are given to us. The main thing, is that we “recognize our graces” and “remain faithful” to their inspirations. They are given to us, out of great love.
God Bless, SR
Reblogged this on archimedius01.
Thank you for your reblog and stopping by. God Bless, SR
Hi SR so you are back. How are you doing?
Dorothy
Hey Dorothy,
It is good to be back, and Happy Birthday to you!!! Sounded like you had a great one. The pictures were great. It has been a long haul and I missed you all so much. I became pretty sick myself these past several months, come to find out I have a defective mitro valve that causes my heart just to flip flop, along with some other issues. Mom’s mind is just about gone and am trying to get back up there in March to help them. Had to take out for awhile to get my own health issues resolved. I have to say this, I would have never learned so much about our Lord’s grace, if I would not have been through all of this. For that I am thankful. He has had His hand on me each step of the way. Thanks for asking and God Bless, SR
Hi SR! Good to see you!
Hey 8 kids,
Good to be back. As I explained to Dorothy it has been a long haul. After many months, hopefully things are beginning to hit a level. It is good to see you too and am playing catch up with you all. I missed you all soooooo much! God Bless, SR
Pace yourself, SR. You’ve got a lot on your plate. I couldn’t agree with you more re: God’s grace is so evident in the most challenging times.
Thank you 8 kids. I am learning to “pace myself” however painful that is. My BP was getting as high as 205/150-160. My HR was getting over 150/minute sitting still. It was getting where I could not even drive, my vision was becoming impaired greatly, the dizziness was a whole other story, and the pressure in my head felt like my brain was exploding. I was staggering when I walked. The greatest grace I was given was, God has taken care of Mom and Dad for me until I can get back to them. A lot has changed in my life for sure. I still do not feel well, but I am so much better. I shut my day down around 2:00 p.m., and rest until about 4:00. I get up and finish and am in bed not much later then 7:00. I do not go to sleep that early, but the rest means a lot. Slowing down has been hard, but necessary. Thank you again and God Bless, SR
Hey Biltrix,
All of you were missed greatly!!! It is funny how we can become a family and never even see one another. That is the love of our Lord. The way He brings His children together is such a gift in and of itself. Will probably be back with a thousand questions for you as usual:>) Have been pretty sick for several months but am doing better now. God Bless you and again, missed you too! SR
I’m sorry you were sick. Several months! God bless you! I’m glad you are better.
Glad you’re back and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Thank you dear friend. God Bless, SR
Hello, SR. Glad to see you back up on the WP. I see you’ve remodeled a bit – very pretty! Great post — we all need to be mindful of our friendship with Jesus!
Hope you’re well? & God Bless you!
Hey Lady Deidre,
Yes, I am blogging once again!!! Yes, I did remodel glad you like it. Loved your post with the kids!!! Your post always put a smile on my face! My favorite ones are with you and those kids!! Will be stopping by soon and read some more. Thanks for comment, I missed you and God Bless, SR
This does my heart good!!! I have kept you in prayer but missed you!. So glad to have you back. I am in the process of life changes that do not allow me access to Internet very often so my presence is spotty. But again, welcome back. God bless you.
Hey Gracie,
I have missed you as well, and you have no idea how much your prayers have meant. Somehow in my spirit I always knew your prayers were going up. Hope the “life changes” are blessings and are making you happy. Take care my dear friend and will wait to see you around the blogsphere! Thanks for comment and God Bless, SR