Word of the Day

My sadness was overwhelming.

As I sat at my desk, my head—along with my spirit—drooped lower and lower.  I had given up on being happy and instead only felt stress and anxiety.

I’m so sad, I thought to myself, inwardly praying for some hope.

It was then my phone lit up, a single word on its screen.

Tristful.

It was like a hammer.  Seeing it before me almost magnified my depression.  A few weeks ago I subscribed to Dictionary.com’s Word of the Day.  Every day I receive a text with a new word, and today’s fit like a glove.

Maybe it was God acknowledging my feelings.  Maybe it was Satan using my feelings against me.  As the day grew busier, I pushed on and pushed away the coincidental text.

In a quiet moment, I bent my head to look down at the top of my desk.  Please let this day be over soon, I prayed.

My head rose and that’s when I saw her.  Perky, smiley Ashley.  Cute, blonde hair, jazzy outfit, an excited smile, and a backpack filled with delicious baked goods.  Her energy immediately transfused with mine, recharging my batteries.

I wanted to reach over the tall, marble countertop and hug her.  I had never been so thankful to see a friendly face.  There was the happiness and hope for which I had been longing all day.

I may never know the origin of tristful, but I do know that God sent Ashley to me.  I am very thankful for him watching over me.  I am very thankful He brought into my life a free-spirited glam-fashionista with a listening ear, a warm shoulder, and an adoration of sweets and Chick-fil-a kids’ meals.

Real friendship is an organic cranberry-walnut muffin that shows up unexpectedly by the grace of God and a loving friend.