The World of Friendship

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just really knock you down? Do you ever take on too much that the weight you have to carry makes it seem impossible to keep getting back up? What if I told you we don't always have to carry that burden alone...

So far, this year has been very humbling for me. I have been constantly reminded of my inability to carry the weight of my own cross. With everything on my plate, I have failed in more ways than I’d like to admit. But through my weakness, I have been reminded that it is never my own strength that gets me through challenging times. The Lord and the people he has put in my life are the ones helping me up and always encouraging me to keep going. The biggest lesson I have had to learn again and again is that it is okay to ask for help, and it is okay to allow others to serve you. By serving you, they are loving you. For someone who is so quick to serve others, it can be hard to receive service in return.

The Lord has been revealing to me more each week how important it is to serve others but to also let yourself be served. Because I have a hard time saying no to opportunities to help people, I tend to take on too much. As this new semester began, I found myself failing miserably because there are only so many hours in a day, and only one Hannah Vanden Branden. On top of classes, jobs, ensembles, internships, Soldier of the Year preparation, and everything in between, I have little time for rest or even making sure I am eating enough. Sometimes recognizing your need for help, and letting yourself ask for it is the hardest thing to do. But let me tell you, it is worth it. Accept the help and don't be afraid to ask for it.

Through many recent encounters with friends, near and far, the Lord has given me opportunities to accept the service of others, showing me that I am not a burden to those who offer to help me. As a close friend recently told me, "The world of friendship is not one that demands repayment... God doesn't love expecting repayment."

Wow. What a beautiful thought. This insight has been very beneficial to me as I learn to accept the fact that I cannot carry my burdens alone. Whether it is a card game or conversation with a friend over coffee, or allowing your roommate to make you tea and wash your dishes, it is important to recognize that these are the ways your friends are able to love you. By being fully present and engaged in your never-ending stress talks. By checking in with FaceTime calls, praying for specific intentions, or buying you coffee to get you through the day on multiple occasions. Even moments when you are tired and hungry on your way home after a long day and you run into a friend who offers you a frozen pizza, or half of their sandwich. They do this all without expecting anything in return. The world of friendship is a beautiful thing.

It is important to remember that this is also how Jesus loved us. He took on our cross, served us, and suffered for us, loving us for who we are while expecting nothing in return. Let our friendships with others be a model of our Father’s great love for us. 

"The world of friendship is not one that demands repayment... God doesn't love expecting repayment."

Adam Grand