You've probably heard the quote - "whatever you are, be a good one." This was probably thought of and said because sadly, so many humans are so careless. With their lives, actions, relationships.
I've been thinking lately about being a better friend. I am guilty of getting caught up in busyness, in my own trials, and overwhelmed by it all.
I forget to text, or call or reach out. I assume everyone is ok and don't take the time to ask. I make excuses.
Sometimes I'm just a crappy friend.
One of our pastors at The Ramp spoke a few months ago about a trip to the UK. He said that when you stepped into the subway train a recording reminded you the "mind the gap." It was dangerous, and you needed to be watchful. You could trip and fall, you could get your bag caught, etc. From a spiritual standpoint - we all go through times of transition. And when we do, we must mind the gap.
I am minding my gap. It's not a fun time - yes, God gives us joy in hard times. I'm not saying every day is horrible. I'm just saying that transition can hurt. Not knowing what is around the corner. Wondering if change will ever come. And getting bogged down in all the weariness.
Granted - some people need to make an exit from your life during these times. I have had people I thought were family - really they were not. I have loved them deeply and gave them everything I had to give, and was hurt in the end. But they needed to GO.
Some friends are just seasonal. They have a purpose for being in your life. They teach you and you teach them. And we are all better off afterwards.
Some friends are heart friends that are forever connected to your life. They see you at your worst and still love you. They don't pay attention to the gossip or the lies told. They love you for real, in the good and the bad. Thank God for these.
And I honor all of the relationships God has brought into my life.
So back to the matter at hand - being a better friend. The Bible talks alot about friendship.
Be careful who you are close with...
Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Cor 15:33
There are those the Lord sends to you, that are faithful and true...
Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here; the Lord has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As surely as the Lord lives and you live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel.
Jesus is the perfect model...
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Prov 18:24
Friends should push us higher, not lower...
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Prov 13:20
We need friends who tell us the truth, even when it hurts...
Better is an open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Prov 27:5-6
We need one another...
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Eccl 4:9-10
There are so many more, but I'll end with this.
What if we weren't afraid to be a good friend? What if we took the risk and reached out? What if we were willing to let go of past hurts and forgive those that let us down? Nothing precious comes without a cost.
God has put the people we need for this season of our life, in our lives, for right now. Don't miss them because you are caught up in old wounds. In busyness. In life.
And if I've been a crappy friend, I'm sorry. I'm trying to be a better one. Sometimes life hurts. But there is grace for you and for me, grace for today.
Much love friend,
Christa
