So this afternoon, I got together with some old friends, and we went to see a mutual friend’s band play, hung out at Starbucks, you know…Friday night stuff. But I guess I was thinking today about friends, and how important they are. One of the most tremendous blessings I have in my life is that I have so many wonderful friends, Godly people. People who don’t just hang out with you on weekends (sometimes we have a few too many 3 a.m. mornings at IHOP on weekends), but that are there for you when you need something. People who will really get your back when you’re struggling with something. And even better, friends that are really praying for you when they say, “hey, I’m praying for you.” When they ask, “how are ya today,” they actually care about the answer. Real friends, not just fake exteriors.
There have been times in my life when I’ve been lacking in the area of friends, so I guess I appreciate it a lot.
Anyway, after a really great night (hard to find something to eat, though…why are there so few restaurants open after midnight?), I sat down to watch some TV, and I just found myself thinking about how amazing it is to be blessed with such incredible friends. And when we’re friends to each other like that, we’re not the only ones who notice. Jesus said that, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, NASB). Those around us who aren’t Christians should be absolutely blown away by the way we love each other as brothers and sisters. It should be amazing to them. And it should be amazing to us.
And I guess it challenges me, too. It challenges me to be the friend that I should be all the time, to listen, to help, to care, to pray.
So to all of my friends who read this, know that I love you guys, and I’m here for ya! Thanks for being who you are!