Cherrish True Friendship
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." -- Proverbs 18:24
I had lunch today with a woman whom I believe will become a really good friend. We met when we both attended a Bible study. She is creative, a democrat and someone passionate about God and her family. I know that regardless of what happens, God has blessed me with knowing her.
It's funny how friends come when we aren't really expecting them. Most of us know a great many people. We have "friends" who are co-workers. We have "friends" from the PTA or a civic group or our neighborhood. But are they confidents because we share values and interests or are they merely convenient in our busy world?
I don't want to downplay those relationships. They're important. But what's especially important are those close relationships with people you know will always be there. I have one friend I reconnected with when I returned to our hometown years ago. We met in elementary school and lost touch after high school graduation. She's wonderful and I would drop everything to be there if she ever needed me. It's just that kind of friendship.
Once upon a time families grew and lived in the same area throughout their lives. We always had someone to count on. That has changed. Sure, some families still have that. But so many families now are scattered throughout the country and, in some cases, the world. We are caught up in our own daily stresses, with jobs and kids and demands of a daily life. It's difficult to find time for yet another demand on our time.
But isn't that what matters most? We are grateful for the friend who picked up our kids from school when we got caught at work. We remember the friend who sat with us at the hospital while our spouse had surgery. Our hearts soften when we think of the hug a friend gave us after a nasty fight with a parent. We remember and are grateful for the people who made time. That should be incentive enough for us to do the same for others.
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