Friends and Friendship

In the early morning darkness, a car roars off to an unknown (to me) destination. What’s the reason for his hurry? Is there an emergency? I hope he is not alone if he is facing a trauma but that he has a friend to share the urgency.

Friends put the sunshine in a cloudy day and offer encouragement when there seems to be no reason to hope.  Friendship warms me better than this cup of hot Folgers on my desk.

Family too, are included in this fellowship of friends. Family gathers round, comforts, supports but family are pretty well stuck with me. I’m theirs; they’re mine and I want no better family because for me, there is no better one. Friends stick around by choice.

Pastor Charles Stanley in his newsletter, sent a quote that he found years ago, author unknown but it is certainly apt. It goes like this: A friend is a treasure who loves you as you are, sees not only who you are but who you can become, is there to catch you when you fall, shares your everyday experiences, accepts your worst but helps you become your best, understands your past, believes in your future, accepts you today just as you are, and comes in when the whole world has gone out.

I have a heavenly Friend too who loves me unconditionally and is always with me. Even if earthly friends are far away, the Lord Jesus is here.

There’s something else about true friends. They might not understand me; they might sometimes disapprove of my viewpoints or actions but they never condemn. Friends can exchange ideas without rancor, accept the fact that we don’t all think alike, and like me anyway. When trouble comes, they are there. They don’t run away and hide. As darkness shades into daylight on this winter morning, I’m grateful for many blessings and friends are at the top of the list.