My friend Dawn

Yesterday there was a series of emails passed around whose basis was the topic of friendship, they were so funny..it was initiated by my friend Dawn. One of those 'you know a true friend when they...' type things and it was true and hilarious.

But today I began to seriously consider my blessing of having a friend in Dawn Burns. We met when Promise Land BC was a small group of believers meeting in a stinky school(of which we were thankful!). Our kids are similar in age and share friendships. Our families enjoy vacationing together and camping together. Actually, her parents love me! I even knew that Brad, her husband would soon be the loving owner of a dog. Not because she told me but because he loves his wife and kids and wanted to make them happy. Cooper, welcome to the Burns clan.

Dawn and I have shopped together, been workers at childrens camps, youth camps and ladies retreats. We've created legendary stories that had to do with us being singing chickens AND she washing my butt- I did warn you its legendary stuff! We have had a ton of fun.

What you may not know about Dawn is that in addition to her gift of teaching, she has a spiritual gift of prophecy - her discernment is indeed God given. Her insight into situations can at times be beyond her not-yet-40 years. She does not have the gift of mercy (nor pretends to) but does display love, concern and empathy.

Dawn has been a true friend. What's a true friend you ask? Let me give you my own personal definition. Open in communication, able to take a joke, as well as give one. Listens more than speaks, loves even when she has been wronged and tells you 'get over it' when you need to hear it. Disagrees with you even when it could be unpleasant, holds her tongue when you've gained your weight back, doesn't condemn or avoid when I'm not on the path anymore. ..but doesn't let me flounder there either. These are some of the qualities important to me in our friendship. More importantly, this isn't a churchy friendship. You know the kind...all smiles, all is well, nope, everything in my life is A-OK. That drives me crazy because it leads people to think, maybe I'm the only one in which xyz isn't great all the time!

Dawn has seen me bawl over major issues and heartaches. She has heard me confess errors and repentance for things said or implied. She has prayed over me, cried over me and confronted me. That's my kind of friend. We are, I hope, this to each other. Our friendship is based first on our love of Jesus. Why because we both know from what he has saved us! Doesn't He just bind hearts together!

God, I thank you for having me reflect today on my blessing of Dawn being my friend. Many times we dont share our thoughts (certainly not this way Dawn will think!!) of our blessings of friendships. So today i want to say I'm glad we're friends Dawn!