REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS

When things are going well, it is so easy for me to rejoice in God's presence. I love these verses in Philippians 4, and the song based upon them. But during difficult times, I wonder how God could possibly expect me to rejoice.

A number of years ago, my company consolidated work from the East Coast to Los Angeles where I worked. In the process, a new colleague transferred out to join us. At first, we were quick to find things in common, and a budding friendship began to develop. But another colleague felt threatened by our friendship and so began to manipulate each of us to a point of mutual distrust. We were so easily made to dislike each other. As we fell into the trap of thinking the worst of each other, tensions mounted, and a very uncomfortable environment developed. I dreaded heading in to work each day. She seemed to hate me for no reason I could understand.

Finally after several months of mounting anxiety, I took time to seriously pray, asking God to help me forgive her for the anguish she had caused me and to forgive me for the anguish I had caused her. I prayed for her each day. I didn't know that she was doing the same for me.

We were able to forgive each other and ourselves and rebuild a lasting and true friendship. Over the years, we have laughed and cried together, studied and prayed together, worshipped and served together. We challenged each other to step out in faith. She joined the same church I attended, and we led small groups of women in fellowship, Bible study and prayer.

Now we live on opposite coasts, but we still find time to visit occasionally, e-mail from time to time and to continue to pray for each other. We have been there for each other through sorrow and joy, the birth of a grandson, career changes and the challenges of feeling "alone."

Our improved relationship changed the work environment, spilled over into our congregation and opened our eyes to the needs of others. Now I rejoice in our friendship and the struggles that helped us grow stronger in faith.

— Joey Kelly

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist