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Today I learned a valuable lesson on “every day” self-sacrifice.

I’m one of those individuals who likes to schedule certain appointments far in advance to make sure the service I want is planned and ready when I want it.  Sometimes I schedule so far in advance I forget I have an appointment until the night prior.

I recieved a phone call last night from a place I wait months to recieve a provided service. 

“We look forward to seeing you at 6 pm on Tuesday evening.”

Shortly after that call one of my good friends called me to invite me to her house on the same night for a small holiday gathering.

“Can’t make it.  Sorry.  I have this appointment that I can’t miss tomarrow night. I have been waiting all month and tomarrow is the night! You understand, right”

She didn’t say much and we hung up with few words said.

While I was at work today, something started to tug at my heart strings. I couldn’t believe I forgot that this is the week my friend is going to have facial surgury to remove skin cancer. I felt lower than low at work and was glad no one was around. She said her recovery would take two weeks, putting her out for Christmas, so this was her last chance to have fun with her husband and children. I was special enough to have been invited to share a festive evening with her family, but the first words that came out of my mouth were “I already have something planned”.

I called and cancelled my appointment immediately.

I plan on writing my friend a note tonight with words of encouragment. I can’t imagine what she is going through right now, but I can be a friend.

God always has a way to fit everything into place. He is always looking out for your best interests.

Just a few minutes ago I recieved a phone call saying I could come in at 2 pm for that appointment today because there had been a cancellation. My friend’s party is at 6. It turns out I don’t get to miss a thing! Ironically, you have to give up something to recieve something.