A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
I believe God intends relationships and friendships to be the context in which he does some of His most important work in our lives. Life is difficult from any perspective, and everyone needs friends to help them through the difficult times.
Those who have close friends know they couldn’t live without them. Friends love you enough to confront you when you are wrong and to stand by you through thick and thin. These are friends who act toward you like a marriage partner is supposed to – for better or for worse. If you have a friend like that, you are rich. If you have more than one you are wealthy beyond measure. In today’s world, many people do not take the required time to cultivate relationships; and they are the poorer for it.
But the need for committed friends doesn’t mean we should rush out and try to accumulate them on a wholesale basis. Many things in life are not left to our choosing, but friendships are.
BOTTOM LINE:
The choice of friends is more than a right, however – it is a responsibility.
David Jeremiah Sanctuary: Finding Moments of Refuge in the Presence of God Aug 4 2002
For Your Further Reflection:
I’m compelled to share this reading simply for the reflective effect it has forced me to face in my own life. I am making new friends here each day. Today I met Cristel, while Loretta was exploring the adjacent grocery store, I treated myself to a walk-in pedicure, because assuredly I lack the necessary agility as my convoluted toes have been broken for sure once or twice too often, so I know that today’s $18.00 expense was a good investment for my increasingly challenging future mobility. Plus, I believe Dr. Suppan’s preventive measures are largely responsible for the fact I’ve not yet needed any knees or hips replaced. I had asked Cristel to just trim the gross nails but she did the whole nine yards in 35 minutes like I’ve never experienced prior for much less money than the 10 minute, if that even, nail clip in Orrville.
While we were sitting in that salon, Loretta and I both enjoyed watching the sincere and joyful chemistry in the interactions between the other staff and their clients. Neither of us could communicate well but I’m fast learning that even with my current language impediment, inviting eyes , a welcoming smile, and a verbal Bueno dias or hola, usually lights up its recipient. And that’s just for starters.
I typed the title and the bottom line on my phone’s To Do List, to continue my focus that choosing good friends is not a right, but my responsibility. Just how am I doing?