Friendship is something that continues to amaze me. As I type this, I have only been home from the ACFW Conference in Nashville for thirty-three hours and I’m about to return to the airport to pick up two friends who were at the conference with me. They flew to their homes in Texas and Arizona, did laundry, went shopping, made meals, accomplished a week’s worth of work, kissed their husbands and children goodbye, maybe slept for a few hours, and are now on airplanes jetting their way to my home in Minnesota.

Why are they doing this? Because my first novel will release on September 1^st and they are coming to my release party to celebrate.

True friendship. It’s a powerful force to be reckoned with. I’m reminded of John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” In many ways, they are laying down their lives this week for me. They are coming two days early to help me prepare, and they are staying three days after to visit and brainstorm our upcoming projects (one of which I need a lot of help on!). They are putting their busy lives on hold just to be with me. That’s amazing.

I’m honored and blessed to be on the receiving end of friendship this week. I know the sacrifice my friends are making to be here, and I know the sacrifice many other friends are making to come to my party. They are traveling from all parts of the state (and nearby Iowa), they are rearranging schedules, volunteering to help, and genuinely happy to celebrate this milestone in my life and writing career.

There have been countless other times in my life when my friends have laid down their lives for me in practical and realistic ways. When I had my twin boys and they brought meals to my home for the first two weeks. When I’ve had sick children and they’ve come over to take care of the healthy ones. When I’ve been laid up with a neck that went out and they did my grocery shopping. When I had a tight deadline and they critiqued my story. When I’ve needed a shoulder to cry on, an understanding ear to listen, and a smiling face to share my joy—my friends have been there for me.

I thank God for my friends. They bless me with riches beyond compare.

I’d love to know when you’ve experienced the receiving end of friendship.

About the Author:

Gabrielle Meyer lives on the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing stories inspired by real people and events. Gabrielle’s first novel, A Mother in the Making, releases with Love Inspired Historical in September and her second novel, A Family Arrangement, releases in December. You can connect with Gabrielle on Facebook, Instagram, and her website at www.gabriellemeyer.com.

About the Book:

Matchmaking with a Mission 

Practical, steady, levelheaded: all qualities single father Dr. John Orton expects in both a governess and a wife. But his children’s temporary governess Miss Marjorie Maren seems set on finding him an impractical woman to love…despite his plans of marrying solely for convenience. Nothing could be more exasperating to the handsome widower—except his increasing interest in Marjorie.

Vivacious and fun-loving: that’s the kind of bride the reserved doctor needs. Before Marjorie leaves to pursue her acting dreams, she intends to match him with a suitable wife candidate. Yet growing affection for her four charges and their dashing father has awakened a new hope—that she might be his perfect bride. But can she convince her employer to take a chance on love and claim real happiness before it slips away?