Welcoming New Friends

Welcoming New Friends

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:4-5

Making a difference in another person’s life doesn’t have to be dramatic. In fact, the greatest encouragement and the greatest statement of God’s love often come in our simplest gestures.

Betsy and Pete were introduced by mutual friends a year after Pete’s first wife had died in an auto accident. Eventually, they married and began attending Pete’s boyhood church, the same one at which his first wife had been the choir soloist for the holiday cantatas.

The first Sunday after Pete and Betsy returned from their honeymoon, one of Pete’s friends slipped and called Betsy by the first wife’s name.

Then, when he tried to apologize, he made the situation worse by saying, “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m used to saying ‘Pete and Patty.’ Those names kind of go together, don’t you think?”

Betsy nodded and tried to smile, but the implication hung in the air: “Pete and Patty” matched; “Pete and Betsy” did not.

At that moment, the friend’s wife stepped forward and hugged Betsy. “You need to know we love you already, just because you love Pete,” she said. “We’re looking forward to getting to know you so we can love you for yourself. We’re going to make lots of mistakes along the way, but we hope you’ll forgive us.”

In that moment, an emotional bridge was built, and Betsy knew she had a new friend who understood the special challenges she faced. —SANDRA

Lord, it’s so easy to say the wrong thing without meaning to. So, help me to be sensitive to the situations of others. And help me to guard my mouth while I’m opening my heart.

Be generous and understanding. Let no one come to you without feeling better and happier when they leave. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: with kindness on your face . . . in your eyes . . . in your smile . . . in your warm greeting.

—MOTHER TERESA (1910–1997), FOUNDER OF MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY IN CALCUTTA, INDIA