Jun. 28, 2006 - Do you have sandpaper people?
I just got home from an amazing and rare treat - leisurely coffee with a dear friend. The treat is rare but what makes it amazing is that if you had suggested a year and a half ago that coffee with this lady is something I'd enjoy, look forward to and even seek out I'd have told you that you'd lost it. See, this friend was one of my "sandpaper people". You know, those people that just rub you the wrong way!
My husband can attest (and likes to frequently remind me) how crazy this lady used to drive me! Now he just laughs at me when I get off the phone and say, "I just love that girl." The fact of the matter is that she hasn't changed all that much - but I have! God has given me the most amazing joy and love for her... I love her for the very things that used to bug the dickens out of me.
It is truly evidence of God's sense of humor and miraculous ways! She is evidence that those "sandpaper people" may be annoying, but they can also be used by God to do some mighty work in our own lives. And eventually, if we let them, they can become the kind of sandpaper that, in the hands of a master carpenter, transforms a rough peice of wood into a smooth and useful piece of furniture.
I'm not sure if I'm now a bench or a table (hahaha!), but I know that I am so much better for her friendship. And so much better for the work the Lord did on me through her.
I still have other sandpaper people, but this dear friendship helps me to see what might be if I'll only allow the Lord to work. It has also taught me the importance of praying more for me to change towards them rather than praying for the Lord to make them less annoying. :)
Comments
Jun. 29, 2006 - I have sandpaper people in my life too
Posted by debdillon
but I've never managed to make them good friends. I'd love to know how this change came about.
What a wonderful testimony.
Deb
Jun. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by DandelionSeeds
I've added you to my friends list as well... blessings to you and yours!
In Him,
Amy
Jun. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by GAhomeschoolmom
I can totally relate to this. I have those kind of people in my life too!
Jun. 30, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TXwifeandmommy
I know a person like that!!!!! Makes me laugh now that I think about the way she "rubs me the wrong way". Thanks for putting a new light on it though. To answer your question you posted on my blog..........Jamie O'Neal sings the song that I am playing on my blog. I don't much about her or her other songs, but that one really goes straight to my heart and has such simple truths in it. Glad you enjoyed it!
Jun. 30, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by flapjacks
Hi,
I just found your blog through Deb's. I know just what you mean about sandpaper people - they can be a real blessing! (when we allow God to have his way with us, I mean!)
I also read your comment on orthodox Anglican churches in the States. We go to an English anglican church and we have some of the same problems as you. I think it's less polarised here but definitely going the same. The archbishops and bishops need our prayers. I'm rejoicing that John Sentamu is the new Archbishop of York (near here). He's a real breath of fresh air!
(I do hope I spelled his name okay...!)
Alice
Jul. 2, 2006 - The very first friend...
Posted by PinayMom
.. that I have made after being here for over a year is just like that to me the first time. I could have never thought that I'm going to be close to her but I did and she's been a BIG blessing to me and my family.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. We need to compare notes sometimes..hehe Can I have your blog's RSS feed? It seems that it is not working when I click on it. I wanted to make sure I don't miss your post especially if it has something to do with AO. I like to read other mom's journey with AO as well.
Have a great week!
~ Melanie <><
Jul. 3, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by WalkInFaith
You wrote: "It is truly evidence of God's sense of humor and miraculous ways! She is evidence that those "sandpaper people" may be annoying, but they can also be used by God to do some mighty work in our own lives. And eventually, if we let them, they can become the kind of sandpaper that, in the hands of a master carpenter, transforms a rough peice of wood into a smooth and useful piece of furniture."
That is just beautifully worded! Such a great analogy and it blesses me to know I'll definitely remember it. I'm sure I've lessons to be learned in this area.
Blessings!
Jul. 3, 2006 - Thank you for your 2 cents!
Posted by kampsplete
Hello....you left a comment on my blog the other day. It was in regard to the Lemony Snickets movie. I thought the movie was cute, and I didn't see it in the light that the other lady did that left a comment. I just didn't like the fact that the guy was tracking them down to get rid of them. It was funny though. I guess I wasn't disappointed per se, it just wasn't what I was expecting. The kids were cute, and I loved how they stuck together. Meryl Streep cracked me up with all of her phobias. I was sorry that she met her demise with the leeches! My kids liked the movie. I wasn't too sure about letting them watch it, but they thought it was funny. I HATE snakes, so that scene was almost too much for me. Our DVD had the outtakes on it, and those were cute. The baby kept falling asleep while they tried to do the scenes. It was funny.
Anyway....thanks for your input...it was nice to "meet" you, and hear from you. I have some "sandpaper" people in my life, but haven't figured out how to love them like you did with your friend. One is very close to me, which makes it difficult. I think it takes a lot of prayer, and a willingness to die to self.
Your blog is great....I'll be back to visit soon. Can I add you to my friends list so that I can get to your blog with one click? I won't until you let me know....take care. Love, Kathy
Jul. 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by hsmomof2
Loved this post. I am dealing with a sandpaper person in my life right now (aren't we all, I guess). So this is a good thing for me to be reading. And, thanks for stopping by my blog last week!
