Anybody Else Need a Friend? By ACHUCKAllen
This I know: True friends are hard to find. I’m not talking about acquaintances that you are cordial with or folks that are in your corner when you offer them something of value. I mean the kind of friends that you laugh with when life has kicked you both in the seat of your pants. I’m referring to folks that intuitively “get your weirdness” and double down on it. The kind of friend that you are never truly embarrassed in front of because they have seen you and loved you at your worst. That kind of friend.
I was doing a little woodworking project with Jenny this evening when I got word that a dear friend, living on the west coast is hurting in a big way. He’s one of those bigger than life kind of guys that always lands on his feet. The kind of guy that has for 30 plus years been faithful to one wife, raised amazing kids and has always been there when it wasn’t easy.
After some lengthy discussion with the Divine, I knew that it was my turn to stand in the gap for him. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t chat or check on each other, we just pick up from the last conversation and carry on, even if that last talk was seven months ago.
I’ve prayed without ceasing for this guy that I am so grateful the Lord put in my path some fifteen years ago. I want and will do more to be the friend to him that he has always been to me. The real question is, why does it take a crisis to draw people together?
After pondering and praying, I was struck with the fact that I might have three of those kinds of people in my life. That caused me to then wonder if that was because of me or because of them? The answer is yes.
If you are blessed to have one or two of these kinds of folks in your life, never take them for granted. Here are three ways to be the best friend you can possibly be.
- Really pray for them. I don’t mean the kind of “I’ll be praying for you pat on the back prayer,” I mean, really, deeply, earnestly pray for them.
- Make yourself available and whatever resources you might have available to them, especially before they ask for help.
- Be their advocate and fan when you are in front of them and especially when they have no idea what you are saying. Nothing says, I love and trust you like somebody else telling you that you are truly loved by so and so.
For the folks reading this that are now taking inventory of their relationships, keep in mind that we typically only have friendships that run as deep as we do. I desire to be a better friend to my few, how about you?
I love this quote from Oprah Winfrey: “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
Thanks, Guys. I’m glad that you know who you are.
–AChuck
