friends

Aren't friends great? What kind of people would we be if we lived in isolation? Thank you God for friends. The kind of relationship that begins, centers and ends with You.

Tonight I had the most enjoyable time sharing dinner and family experiences with some of my friends. They listen to me, they encourage me, they laugh with me, they genuinely care about me and they let me be a part of their family - all of this with no expectations, no excuses, no worries and no pretenses.

I am not the kind of person who usually has a large circle of friends. I am more the kind of person who usually has a few really deep friendships at one time. I know at times in my life I've been more of the taker in relatioships. At other times I have been much of the giver in friendships. But, my prayer lately has been that I will be a friend that regularly - and willingly - gives and receives. It is a delicate balance. Why? Because we all want someone to run to and listen to us. We want someone who will care about us and be concerned for us. We want to help others, but often our self-centeredness and the "look and listen to how important I am" mentality overruns any chance we have at a balanced friendship.

I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect. But, it is always good to be in the company of others who will regularly remind me that I am not perfect. And the greatest thing about it...they don't expect it. I believe they honestly pray for me to discover God's unique design for my life. And for that, I am eternally grateful to our Father for bringing us together.

With great hesistation I now say (okay, this is starting to sound like one of the "pass it along to five friends" e-mails), "Treasure the friends God has brought into your life. Be real. Be honest. Be who God has made you. Be available. Be ready. Listen to them. And be a real friend to them."

Blessings to you and your friends.