Some things are worth staying up for

"And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."Luke 1:45

I'm part of the "not yet 50" club, so because of that I sometimes like to tell myself I can still do things that I did in my early twenties through my mid-thirties. This weekend I learned a hard lesson. Gone are the nights of staying up all night with friends and being productive the next day. Yep, that's over.

I was so happy when two of my best friends and I were finally able to get together Friday night. Since moving back to Kingsport, finding a time that worked for all three of us hadn't been easy. I knew I had a lot to do on Saturday, so I had the best of intentions of not "staying too late."

When I looked at the clock and saw the time was 2:30 a.m., I decided I'd be fine. I'd just stay up the remainder of the night and start my day early. That was still my plan when I left at 5:15 a.m.

By 8 a.m. I accepted the truth.

At this point in my life, I am in fact past those days.

Trusting God to drive me back home, I came straight in the door, landed on the couch, and passed out. That meant when I woke up at 2:30 p.m., I was already out of time for what needed to be done.

I regret nothing.

That night was what I had prayed for many nights while waiting patiently for God to move me home.

It was a night of great food, better desserts, and more importantly, fellowship, discussing the Word of God, encouragement, learning from one another, and plans for the vision God has given us all.

When I left, I thought of Elizabeth and Mary.

Mary had just received a calling from God that would change her life forever and no doubt came with questions and concerns. Yet when she arrived at Elizabeth's house, Elizabeth didn't question what God was doing. She didn't criticize the calling or point out the obstacles. Instead, she encouraged Mary's faith and reminded her that God would do exactly what He said He would do.

In a world that often encourages comparison, competition, and criticism, there is something special about women who choose to encourage one another instead. We all face different challenges, carry different responsibilities, and walk different paths, but there is great value in having women in our lives who pray for us, speak truth into our situations, celebrate our victories, and remind us to keep going when the road gets difficult.

While sitting there, I learned why I needed them and they needed me.

1. Friendship Genuinely Loves

Love is an action. It speaks without even saying a word. It's happy to see you. It misses you when it doesn't get that face-to-face time. Like Elizabeth welcoming Mary, sincere love reminds us how thankful we are for the people God has placed in our lives. In a world filled with texts, emails, and social media, there is still something special about sitting across from people you love.

Take a moment this week to let someone know you're thankful for them. A text, phone call, or visit may mean more than you realize.

2. Friendship Listens

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Romans 12:15

As the night went on, unanswered prayers, concerns, and heartaches were discussed, each listening as the other talked. Before Elizabeth spoke words of encouragement, she first received Mary. True friendship takes time to hear, understand, and recognize what someone else may be carrying before offering a response. Friendship gives people the freedom to share what is on their heart without fear of judgment. It allows them to use their voice, tell their story, and know that someone genuinely cares enough to listen.

Actively listening requires us to set aside our own thoughts long enough to truly hear what someone else is trying to say. It allows us to understand not only what they are saying, but also what they may be carrying. By actively listening, we create a safe place for others to share what is on their heart without feeling rushed, dismissed, or overlooked. More importantly, it shows others that what they are saying, feeling, and experiencing matters.

Take time this week to actively listen to someone. Not while checking your phone, thinking about your response, or planning what you're going to say next. Just listen. Create the safe space they need to share what is on their heart. You may discover that being heard is exactly what they needed.

3. Friendship Guides

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14

Sometimes the waters of life are difficult to navigate, and we need someone to help point us in the right direction. As much as I like to think I have all the answers, I don't.

When it comes to our Christian life, an "elder" can refer to age, but it can also refer to someone who has simply walked with Christ a little longer. Guidance from one another holds great value because some of us have faced situations, seasons, and struggles that our Christian brothers and sisters may be experiencing for the very first time.

Mary and Elizabeth were in different seasons of life, yet both were carrying promises from God. Elizabeth's encouragement and wisdom helped strengthen Mary's faith. In the same way, God often places people in our lives who have already walked roads we are just beginning to travel.

There is value in learning from people who have already faced the questions, challenges, and seasons you may be encountering for the first time. Every time we share our testimony, we have the opportunity to encourage someone else while being reminded of God's faithfulness in our own lives.

4. Friendship Encourages

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Elizabeth never questioned the call on Mary's life. Last night as we sat talking, we discussed visions that God had given all of us to expand our individual calls. More importantly, we discussed how those could work together.

In the newest episode of the podcast, I talked about how we all have our own unique calling that God handpicked just for us. As we sat around the table, there were no comments about why something wouldn't work. No one questioned what God had placed on another person's heart. Instead, we encouraged one another and discussed how those callings could work together to further the Kingdom of God.

We should always be the hype man for our friends when it comes to the calling God has placed on their lives. Don't be the voice that points out everything that could go wrong. Be the voice that reminds them of everything God can do.

As I sat around that table laughing, learning, listening, encouraging, and being encouraged, I couldn't help but think about how thankful I am for the friendships God has given me. Much like Elizabeth and Mary, we were all carrying different burdens, different callings, and different visions, yet we left stronger than when we arrived.

I may be too old to stay up all night anymore, but I wouldn't trade that night for anything.

So gather up your gal pals and spend some time together. Laugh, learn, encourage one another, and remind each other what God can do. And if you come across someone who doesn't have that kind of friendship, don't wait for someone else to reach out.

Be the friend.