"He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God." ~Abraham Kuyper

The quote above perfectly describes the person I drew for today's post of those I am thankful for who have touched my life.  I met Mary about 21 years ago.  She is 11 years older than me, and has children older than mine, so it was not a natural friendship borne of a common stage in life.  

I got to know Mary initially from the fact that she and her family sat in front of us at each worship services.  We would have the usual pre-worship small talk, and after-worship chats.  I would also see her at ladies' Bible classes, and was immediately impressed with her depth of knowledge that emanated from her good heart that was full of love for God.  Then, with time, I had opportunities to study the Bible with Mary in a smaller, more intimate setting.  Those things gradually led to a close friendship.  I watched how Mary, along with her husband, so lovingly and capably taught her children, and how dedicated she was to making sure her family put God first.  I also watched how she cared for her elderly mother.  I know it was difficult for her to balance being a mother, and also a caregiver for an elderly parent, but she did so with grace and love.  Her mother (who is also on this list) often told me how she didn't know what she would do without Mary.

Mary and I have similar personalities - both of us are more introspective, and less outgoing.  We also share a lot of the same views on Scripture, parenting, and all the other important aspects of life.  I often joke with her that when I grow up, I want to be just like her.  I have learned a lot from watching her through the years, and I love the conversations we have regarding spiritual matters.  And every time I talk to her, that's always where our conversations end up - talking about God.  From Mary I have learned about selfless service, diligent Bible study, and living a God-centered life.

Mary now lives a thousand miles away, and I don't get to see her or talk to her often enough.  But, when we have opportunity to visit on the phone, it is always so natural and easy - just like no time has passed at all.  Mary is always the first one I go to when I need solid, sound advice.  One of the things I love most about Mary is her honesty.  Brutal honesty.  She always tells me exactly how she feels about something, even if she knows I don't agree, or it might be hard for me to hear.  She has become one of my closest and dearest friends - one of those "lifetime" friends, which is so rare and precious in today's world.  Mary makes me better, and "pushes me nearer to God."  The last time I talked to her, she told me she will "always love me, no matter what."  Me, too, Mary.  Me, too.