Thought of the Day

I do my "Daily Bread" everyday at lunch almost all the time during the week. Today, I want to keep a record of it to remind myself and also share with my friends who happen to read my blog (with my own edits). :)

Western novelist Stephen Bly says that in the days of America’s Old West there were two types of friends (and horses): runners and standers. At the first sign of trouble, the runner would bolt—abandoning you to whatever peril you were facing. But a stander would stick with you no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, you wouldn’t know which kind of friend you had until trouble came. And then it was too late—unless your friend was a stander.
Rather than being concerned with what kind of friends we have, however, we ought to consider what kind of friends we are. Proverbs tells us that “a friend loves at all times” (17:17). During times of adversity, we need friends we can rely on. When the people we know face trouble, what kind of friend will we be—a runner or a stander?

I think this applies not only to friends, but what kind of parent, husband/ wife we are? At times of trouble, do we stand by our kids, our spouse regardless of how sad and uncomfortable the situations make us feel? For example, one day your kid has an accident and wet his/her pants in a fancy restaurant while you are having the best time of your life with your friends and family, how would you react? Embarrassed? Ashamed of your kid? Or react with love and comfort your kid telling him/ her that it doesn't matter, I will help you with it? I must confess, very often I would react with embarrassment and shame instead of love.

"In times of trouble" does it mean "Big troubles" or even trivial problems in life? Are you willing to be there anyway for "Big and Small" troubles?