Friends

Over the years  I have been blessed to have some very good and faithful friends. Many a midnight oil has been burnt long into the night over deep conversations peppered with so much laughter, so much fun, so many truthful words said in love, so many hearts bared, tears shed – that’s what friends are for! Then we go our separate ways only to reconnect some other time as time permits in a busy, busy, world though never snuffing out  the friendship but leaving it to be rekindled when our paths cross again.

I have had the joy of knowing friends such as these who have made my life rich. These friends have trusted and believed in us. They have been honest friends who have bared heart and soul knowing they will not be judged or rejected or sold out! They have been friends who have wanted and hoped for our best with no hidden agendas and who have been willing to help you on that road with no strings attached. They have genuinely looked out for our good. They have been friends that have encouraged, inspired faith and confidence pointing to Him who has begun the good work in us and that he will bring it to completion. Boy! Is it good to have friends such as these?

It’s good to have friends who help you see when the way is not clear, when clouds of doubt and discouragement hide the shore line as you swimming hard, with strength that is failing; and they urge you on telling you “land is in sight”. Its good have friends who come along side you and help you fan into flame the God given gifts, the dreams, the desires, and the prophecies over your life- they are like that flint stone on which your life is sharpened.

It’s good to have a friend who is courageous enough to tell you when you seem to be losing your way and sit down with you and have a heart to heart face to face chat rather than stab you in the back! I am reminded of the proverb that says “many a man claims to have unfailing love but a faithful friend who can find!” Truly they are rare to find! – But, when you do, don’t let them go, value them more than silver and gold. Appreciate the role they have played in your life – for they have made you rich beyond anything else.

Having reflected on the value and riches of true friendships in my life I think to myself – have I been such a friend? I know my failings and shortcomings and endeavor to set them right.

In today’s consumerist world of use, abuse and throw away where everything is so temporary, it’s hard to find “stick ability” – hanging in when the going gets tough, it’s hard to find those who are not “fair weather friends”. True friends are out there- you just need to look hard , you will find them. They are not bargains but a find , a treasure that you happen upon.

 My random reflections of this morning  makes me resolve to be a good friend at all times – through thick and thin. I have been tempted to give up sometimes – but then I think of the friend who made my life rich, who has stuck with me through thick and thin, who has only wanted my best, who has encouraged me through the lows, who has helped me keep dreaming and doing, who has been faithful, who has spoken the truth in love to me, not just that – this friends gave His life for me. His name is Jesus. He left me a great example to follow. Follow I will – so help me God!

I end this morning’s reflections with a few of quotes:

"Sometimes in life, you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for you to open it. This is forever friendship. When you're down and the world seems dark and empty, your forever friend lifts you up in spirit and makes that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Your forever friend gets you through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times. If you turn and walk away, your forever friend follows. If you lose your way, your forever friend guides you and cheers you on. Your forever friend holds your hand and tells you that everything is going to be okay. And if you find such a friend, you feel happy and complete because you need not worry. You have a forever friend, and forever has no end." 
---Unknown

It is only the great hearted who can be true friends. The mean and cowardly, Can never know what true friendship means.
Charles Kingsley

"Be true to your work, your word, and your friend. "

~ Henry David Thoreau

Navaz DCruz

May 2012