"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:10

The relationship between friends is often difficult to describe. Friendship has so many different levels. And the love displayed in those friendships also has different levels. An acquaintance is a friend that I know, find pleasant, and visit with them when I meet them in the Walmart. Do I love them, of course, but not as I love my friend that I play golf with or meet for lunch. These golf and lunch friends are ones I share cute stories about my grandchildren, funny things that have happened recently and all the latest news of town. I love these friends, but not as I love my close friends.

Close friends are people I share my heart with. I can tell them my sin of the past and feel certain that no one else will ever hear it from them. No criticism, no judgment, no reproach-only a listening ear. History remains history in the eyes of a friend. My “real” friends laugh at my old jokes and know I cry when I am happy, when I am sad and when I am angry, In fact, the comment of “what are her tears for now?” can sometimes be heard in my crowd of friends.

Friends hear what you say and know it is not what you mean. Here is where my friends are tested. I often find that what comes out of my mouth does not always indicate what I am thinking. I want to say let me help, but it comes out as critical and fault-finding. My close friends know when I suggest they might have made a different choice that I am speaking in love.

Friends show up three weeks after the funeral with plans for something to do together. Friends are there after the problem is over. Your favorite recipe shows up at your door, not because you need food, but just because you need uplifting. When most people around have forgotten your situation (funeral, divorce, family issue, children in trouble) a good friend asked you to lunch, calls you just to talk, sends a real card (not an e-mail) for no reason.

Friends tell me they like my new hairstyle even when it is much too short and choppy. My close friends indicate in many ways that they miss me when I am gone. I know they pray with me and for me. My friends know I am afraid of cats and hate needles. Friends do not intimidate you and don’t even try to. Friends of mine show up at the strangest times. If a person is blessed with friends, then one is truly blessed. Friends are God’s answer to loneliness.

And when we reach old age and these “close” friends are the ones who remain, we realize what true friendship really means. And I love these friends, but not as I love my best friend, Jesus. Here is a friend who surpasses all my other friends. Yet, because of Jesus I know how to love my earthly friends. His is the love that binds us together.

This is an excerpt from the manuscript I am working on now. Sub-title at this point is “THINGS YOUR MOTHER NEVER TOLD YOU” Hope to finish this year