“True friendship, according to the Bible, involves loyalty, sacrifice, compromise, and yes, emotional attachment” (GotQuestions.org).
“It’s been said that everlasting friends go periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship. These friends pick up phones like they just spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how far away they live, and they don’t hold grudges. They understand that life is busy and you will ALWAYS love them.” (author unknown)
The above quote has been circulating around Facebook for a few weeks. How many of us are truly blessed with that type of friend? I can honestly say I have had a few in my lifetime and feel very privileged.
It is the type of friend where we only talk maybe three to four times a year but are able to pick up right where we left off. Another is the kind of friend who only has to say one word and you already know if they are happy, sad, depressed, lonely, or just plain terrific. The type of friend that you can step away when they need their space without getting insulted, bring over a pan of brownies when they need a pick me up, or call last minute to see if they want to do something fun. Friends who you can call at any time to watch your kids, your pets, or help with your garage sale. The type of friend who remembers your birthday, your losses, or your special occasions. The type of friend where you share unique slogans, funny sayings that only you understand, or words that send you both into a fit of laughter whenever one or the other mentions them.
There are also the special friendships that were incredibly tight years ago, but then you drifted apart for some reason. Nothing happened to end the friendship – you just moved in different directions and went on paths that led you further apart instead of closer together. Those friendships should be celebrated as well because without their influence, you probably would not be all you are today.
Sometimes these friends are family members, others are co-workers, mothers of your children’s friends, teachers, Sunday School teachers, or just people you regularly come into contact with at the store. Each and every one share one common denominator – they are a blessing in your life.
Today instead of sharing anything deep or profound, I just want to give you a chance to think about friends from your past, current friendships, and even think ahead to how you can embrace new faces to gain new friends. It is a time to be thankful for all you have learned, all you have gained, and all you have become in part due to the great friends in your life.
I want to take the time to thank each and every one of my friends. I am a better person because of their influence in my life. I am blessed to call each and every one of them my friend. And I want to pass the art of true friendship onto my children so they, in turn, can build lasting and true friendships as well.
And most importantly, I want to make sure that I continue to be as great of a friend to my friends as they have been to me!