On Friendships

Well, this might be a bit repetitive as I just posted on love, but I'm willing to risk it. I also know that I'm breaking my own rule about more than one post a week, but I wanted say this.  The last week in February was one of the most stressful I've had. I had three midterms, one of which went extremely poorly; I found out about two rejections from medical schools; I forgot an assignment in one of my classes was due because I was studying so hard for another class; and I got a cold to top it all off. This was combined with two dinners and a board meeting on top of my regular Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday meeting schedules. I was emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically taxed to just about the limits of my endurance. There were days that I wanted to cry. All the time I needed to give emotional and spiritual support to the elders (~20 year old men) in my quorum (church group of men) for whom I'm president (you know what a president is ;) ), my housemates, and my friends with similar test loads. I was exhausted.

In this state of exhaustion, I was blessed with dear friends who saw me exhausted an reached out to help. One of my housemates who HATES talking about feelings came and asked me if I was okay and gave me a hug. I recognize that sacrifice. Another housemate that made me cookies, gave me a hug, gave me dates from Saudi Arabia, and a note about her appreciation for me as an RA. A home teachee (someone in my church over whom I watch and to whom I give support) writing me a note telling me how much she appreciated me and what I do, and she didn't even know what was going on. A number of very kind texts from people that care for me. An infinite number of tender mercies by angels both earthly and heavenly. I cried because of the love of God I felt more times this last Sunday than I care to count or admit, both at the pulpit speaking and in many other settings. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you. I wanted to tell everyone who sent a good thought or action my way, mentioned here or not, recognized by me or not, thank you, really. 

It meant the world to me this last week. I wish I could express how much I love you and am grateful for you.  Please never stop being the amazing, wonderful, incredible "friendships" and humans that you are.  I am so so so so grateful.