There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Throughout our lives there are times when this statement rings in our ears. Times when we are the one dropping everything to run to the aid of a friend and times when they are doing the same for us. One friend of mine put it this way. “You find out who your friends are when you are stuck two hours out in the woods at two in the morning, the one who comes to help is your friend.” (This quote is slightly modified from the original).

Some people go through life trying to be an island, not letting anything or anyone touch them or get to know them. They never become a true friend just an acquaintance, just someone you know in passing. Have they had a true friend and lost them? Have they seen the cost of true friendship and have run from it? Or have they bought into the idea that a true man stands on their own two feet?

Most of us know one or two of these individuals who are alone, believing that it is the best way to proceed. And again most of us know that in the end they are very wrong. We all need help, we all need someone we can count on and yes we all need to be there for someone ourselves. Sure it generally occurs at the most incontinent time but love does not care. Not every friendship is the kind of friendship John is talking about. But we each need at least one.

We are relational beings; we interrelate with others on a regular bases. Most of our interactions are with people with whom we are only generally connected. Reality is that we interact continually but we trust carefully. Who has your back? On whom can you depend? Who would you run to help?

We live in a crazy world; never take your friends for gannet. They may be the rock in your life but let them know you appreciate them anyway.

Blessings