I think one of the greatest blessings of God in my life is to both get to be and to have friends.When it comes to being a friend, I think about the apostle Paul. I never cease to be amazed at the level of love and intimacy present when I read the apostle Paul’s words in passages like 2 Timothy 1:3-4, Philippians 1:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, Ephesians 1:16, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.. Paul's life was all about loving, hanging out with, praying for, and investing his life into people. I see a depth of love here that goes way beyond what frequently passes for friendship in our culture.
As I've read, and re-read, Bible passages like these over the years I'm challenged to live a different kind of lifestyle. One where people count way more than possessions, homes, or cars. A life style where my own needs, shyness, social anxiety, and comfort level are not what it's all about. A life style that's about cultivating an ability to hear God's voice and see people the way He does, to really hear what's going on with someone else, and to be constantly reaching out. More and more as time goes by, this is the life I'm seeking.
I've been thinking about this since I knew we were writing about friendship this week. I've been thinking about how to be a friend. Then yesterday I had the opportunity to go visit a close friend of mine from where I used to live; and I received the blessing of having a friend.
This friend, Paula, only lives about a 1 1/2 hour drive from me, but we don't get to see each other all that often. There's few things in life that can compare to spending time with a good friend. To have someone with whom I can totally be myself and just say whatever I want because she already knows me and loves me anyway. Someone who I find interesting and we can enjoy the same things - like a 2 hour walk on the beach while talking, talking and talking some more. Then it was extra wonderful because she loves to cook and she made dinner and invited two other friends, Carol and Olga, who I rarely get to see anymore, to share dinner with us. For me, I felt like I was basking in their presence, it just felt so good to be together with them again. These are people who we have history together, and, because of this history, when we share something that's currently happening in our lives, we all have a full appreciation because we know the background. These are women who I've seen God work so mightily in their lives and when I'm looking at them, I feel such immense joy just knowing the wondrous things God has done for them. These are women who I know the painful stuff that's in their lives and I sincerely care, and have invested hours in tears and prayers for, and who we're still believing together for God to work in some specific situations.
As I'm here thinking about friendship the predominant feeling I have is gratitude. Gratitude that God has blessed me with such wonderful friends. Gratitude that He lets me be a friend to others.
What about you, what comes to your mind when you think about friendship?
6 comments:
I feel so much of what you do about my friends.
They are truly a gift from God.
I want to be a true and loyal friend to them as well and encourage them to be the best that they can be.
Linda
I have been truly blessed with friends in my past and the present. I am sad at some of the friendships that I allowed to fall away when I moved from home. However, I came to realize God seperated me from people for a reason.
Friendship to me now means more than a good time as it once did. It means someone who will talk about God with me, who will talk about scripture, who will eat junk, laugh, and love my kids. My friends now will allow me to share my dealings with sin and be there with empathy and discipleship and not judgment. I have found that my friendships are more fruitful now when we are equally yoked.
I think a friend is some one who you can share your most intimate thoughts with and not fear those thoughts being used against you or betray you for their own gain.
I value a friend as some one special that knows all about you and is there when you need to talk or you are there when they need to talk. Sharing fellowship,and always being there at the drop of a hat to help when the need arrises.
Do I have many friends? No I don't. Considering the betrayals I have eperienced over the years, I am very guarded in trusting another as a true friend.
Now there's a warm topic...
Means - laughter, giggling, a shoulder to cry on, a person to get drunk with safely, a person to hold your hand, someone who'll never hate you.... a person to sit quietly beside you when that is all you need.
BM
I don't mind having just one than having hundreds of them. When I know that having that precious one is a trustworthy kind of friend. A true friend is someone who stays by my side in any kinds of weather. I'm so thankful, too for all the relationships the Lord has blessed us with. God bless you sister Tracy and have a great weekend.
The attitude of gratitude is important, but is sure does work on imperfect folks!
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