BFF is More Than an Abbreviation

My recent Facebook posting of baseball teammates and longtime friends, drew a lot of comments.  I have been blessed with friends who have cared, counseled, confronted, and encouraged me.  Jeanne and I have friends who have endured with us over the good, and the challenging, times.  What are a few key elements to being a friend:

• The sharing of mutual interests
• A sense of trust and truth in the relationship
• A genuine caring
• An essence of presence even when absent
• Staying in touch (a call, card, social media, prayer for, coffee or just a drop in)
• Forgiveness (friends are not perfect)

Of course my best friend is my sidekick, supermom/grandmom, CFO, CTO, CIO, Master Chef and Gardener, life coach and walking partner of 51 years – Jeanne.  This relationship is a blessing from God.

Best Friend

Christopher Robin shared with Pooh: “If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember.  You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.  But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.” 

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  “Pooh?” he whispered. “Yes, Piglet?” “Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand.  “I just wanted to be sure of you.” 

At times a personal evaluation is in order: Am I a good friend? Do I need a friend? Is repair of a friendship the right thing to do? We usually will find good counsel and answers with a friend.  The world can be a lonely place without trusted friends.

My faith walk has been about a relationship, not religion and the model comes from three key verses in the bible spoken by Jesus:  ¹³Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  John 15:13-15

Now there is a friendship with long term benefits!  Have a wonderful day!

Paul   (Key Verse 17/35 celebrating 35 years of Living Perspectives)