Friends
one of the thousand lessons my grandson teaches me
You are my friend. Those are four of the most meaningful words you could ever speak. I’m always touched when my husband, Rick, speaks these words to our grandson. He’s old enough to understand their meaning yet still learning their depth. To be called a friend is to be chosen, called out, separated on purpose. Our closest friends see us as flawed and yet, still choose us. I think it is because they know their flaws and recognize a kindred spirit. When our sweet grandson calls us his friend, it nearly breaks my heart in all the right ways. He means it. He knows we love, value, and cherish him (and his little sister) more than life itself. We would do anything for them.
I’m reminded of how Jesus loves us and calls us His friend. A friend sticks closer than a brother. A true friend chooses, purposes, and sticks. That is the best friend example we have in Jesus. Oh, how I want to model that kind of friendship to my grandchildren with every breath in my lungs and every ounce of strength in my body. To do that is the call of God for me. It is how Jesus walked, loved others, sought them out, taught, and made way for God to call us friends through His sacrifice. I cannot begin to fathom the depth of that friendship.
So, how do friends behave when they’re together? They’re honest, loving, kind, and compassionate. They share each other’s burdens to comfort and lighten the carried load. They listen, sit in the pain and grief, and offer hugs not advice unless asked. They go after you when you’ve lost your way. Friends choose to be there in good times and bad and will show up when you least expect it, but need it the most.
I once made a 6,000-mile round trip to say goodbye to a friend. I prayed she knew I was there but since she was unconscious in an ICU, I don’t know. I was only able to stay with her for less than an hour before needing to return home. I received a call in the ICU that my brother-in-law had died. Was the long drive, the hour spent, the money invested, and the emotional toll worth it? Yes. Even if she didn’t know I was there, I knew. I chose. I valued her enough to be there. It isn’t always the case we can be there in such a fashion, but God knows our circumstances and means. He can make a way. But in the day-to-day life of a friendship, we can choose to be there in ways big and small. In the seen and unseen. Send a text. Make a call. Drop a card in the mail. Write on their social media wall for everyone to see how amazing they are to you.
