Thursday; April 27

For all of his successes, Ulysses S. Grant had his share of challenges. The man who was born on this day 201 years ago, made a name for himself but had some dark times as well. The reason I point this out is a quote of his that I recently came across, “The friend in my adversity I shall always cherish most. I can better trust those who helped to relieve the gloom of my dark hours than those who are so ready to enjoy with me the sunshine of my prosperity.”. While this is a rather eloquent comment, it could be summed up by the common phrase, “A friend in need is a friend in deed.”.

One of the certainties of life is that people are more apt to want to be around us when things are going well than when we are struggling. Most people are happy to laugh with us but seem to disappear when our smiles turn into tears. However, when we look up in the midst of our difficulties and see the people who are still there – these are our real friends! Most of us realize this fact, but the point to the observation is to ask if that is the type of friends we will commit to be ourselves. Are we willing to be there with others when they need us?

Let’s be there for others as they go through their dark times. Thankfully when we live in the reflection of the Son, we have a lot of light to share.

Think About It! 

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