Our nation has endured an extraordinary series of natural disasters over the past few months, including hurricanes, tornados, torrential rains, devastating floods, and enormous wildfires. If you’ve tuned in to the evening news lately you’ve probably seen disaster victims who have lost nearly all of their material possessions. Despite suffering tremendously, many of these people express gratitude for the simple fact that they are alive and still have their family and friends. They get it!
As I grow older, the things that truly matter in my life have become crystal clear. These are Faith, Family, Friends, and Freedom. I call them the 4Fs and I’ve written about them several times over the decade that I’ve written this blog.
Today, as we mark the annual Thanksgiving holiday, I’m offering a special thanks for my friends. I’ve heard it said that families are issued to you, but you choose your friends. This is just one of the many things that makes true friends so special.
So, what is a true friend? I don’t have all the answers, but here are some characteristics of my true friends that I’ve observed over the years:
- They are there for you when others walk away.
- They meet you where you are, warts, wrinkles, and all.
- They are forgiving.
- They will make time for you, even when they haven’t the time to spare.
- They expect nothing in return and do not keep score.
- They are good listeners.
- They respect confidentiality.
- They tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
- They say, “Wow, you really made a mess of this! Now how can I help you fix it?”
- They walk beside you in the demon filled valleys, propping you up.
- They are at their best when you are at your worst.
A number of my dear friends are currently struggling with serious life challenges. These include the early onset of dementia, the death of a spouse, a spouse developing dementia, a spouse with cancer, a child abusing alcohol, and a child suffering with seizures. The longer one lives the more frequently such challenges seem to occur. So now I lift them up to the Lord.
Lord, hear my prayer. Father God, I pray for my friends who are struggling. I pray that you will grant them mercy and peace. You know exactly what they need at this moment. Draw near to them and let them feel your presence. Open their eyes, ears, and hearts to you. Protect them from the attacks of the evil one and shelter them in your loving arms. I pray this in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sirach 6:14-16 (RSV)
Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter:
whoever finds one has found a treasure.
Faithful friends are beyond price;
no amount can balance their worth.
Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;
and those who fear the Lord will find them.
Divine Simplicity 