Be A Blessing To Others

"May the One who gave blessings to those before us now give us the strength and endurance to become a blessing to others." (a Hebrew prayer)

The past several weeks (one month to be exact), I’ve been counseling my college best friend who is now suffering from the pain of breaking up with her long time boyfriend. Their 11-year old relationship has finally come to an end.

My friend actually is not the type of person who will open up everything to me. All the while I thought that she’s no longer committed with her boyfriend since we graduated from college. They had split before (4th year) and I never knew that they had continued their relationship since then! Although, I had a feeling that they are still sweethearts… but the fact that she didn’t share stories with me about her relationship is enough for me not to touch the issue anymore.

Several weeks back, I was surprised when she called me and told me that their relationship is finally over. She was really despair and in pain. I could feel her with every word she utters. For the first time, she told me everything. She opened-up everything from the largest down to the smallest detail. How could I turn my back to her now? She would call at the middle of my work, meeting, and even during my rest. But I just couldn’t let her down every time she needs someone to talk to. I knew how it is to be in that condition.

Honestly, I could see myself to her just a year ago when I also gone through the same situation of being broken hearted. It was Jackie who became my confessor, listener, adviser, and praying partner that time! She was very patient to me when I needed someone to voice out my feelings! It was mayhem! I knew deep inside that I was very irritating but she was too patient in listening to me. She never got tired of giving me real good advises; she brought me closer to God.

Now in the case of my friend, I could see myself to her during my times of helplessness! I never thought that after a year of enduring that stage of my life, I can be “Jackie” too! I can give wonderful advises and thoughts to my friend. I feel happy every time my friend would tell me that she appreciates my presence during her times of darkness. I told her that I am just here to listen to her and share with her my experiences before. Still, it’s God who gives us the strength and the reason to move on.

Because of this, I thought of sending Jackie a message. I thank her for everything she has done to me before. I thank her for being with me on those gloomy days of my life and for the constant prayers she is giving me until this time. I told her that right now, it is my turn of helping a friend who is suffering from the same agony I had a year ago. I was so delighted when she replied “Thanks God that I’ve been an instrument, now it’s your turn to be a blessing to others.” Isn’t it great? God makes use of people as instrument of His love and grace!

I know she still has a very long way before she could finally accept and move on, but with God’s unconditional love and a friend’s moral support, she can get through it… slowly but surely!