We are seeing loved ones and friends pass. It seems to be alarming so many are going so quickly. Without warning. Perhaps it’s simply 2020 and COVID, but I asked myself the question a few minutes ago after learning of two friends who have recently passed, and feeling shocked. Can you be a better friend?
Of course. But with the information overload of social platforms, unless someone takes ownership of sharing pertinent information, then I suspect we will slip through the cracks of knowledge, finding ourselves crumpled and overwhelmed.
I was remembering some special moments of family and how it was easy to simply hop a plane, drive thousands of miles, or sacrifice holidays and time off. For what? A family member needed you. Get up and Go! Get up and Do!
But when you are 50 years into the future, those friends of childhood have a way of being too far removed, and seldom in contact. Could I have been a better friend? Sure. Just don’t let it be too late.
What Is A Friend?
Dictionaries try to explain it. “Friend: one attached to another by affection or esteem, one that is not hostile, a favored companion…”
With words like this, well, I have lots of friends! But we seldom reach out or share with each other. This is a crazy time we’re living, but when you only touch base when tragedy happens, then can you call them friend? Sure. Sometimes standing up for a friend during the heaviest of trials is the best thing you can do.
God spoke with Moses, face to face, as a man speaks unto his friend. (Genesis 38:20). David speaks about a friend who is now an enemy. (Psalms 41:9) Solomon says a friend loves all the time. (Proverbs 17:17) Jesus was accused of having wrong friends (Luke 7:34) but then defined his followers now as friends (John 15:15). In a previous verse, he defines friendship as greater love when one will lay down his life for the other. (John 15:13). Sacrifice for a friend. That’s true friendship.
I had a good friend at a job back in the late 80’s and forward. We stayed in contact through the years. I was able to reach out to him during his waning days, and say goodbye just before he passed. It makes me wonder, will I have a friend like this in my life when it’s my time?
To All My Friends
With the latest news, I reach out to my friends through various methods. It’s like searching for the warm fuzzy feelings of knowing they are still there. Alive and kicking. My thought? I want to be there for you as I know you are for me. Let’s not forget each other through the miles or years. When your name pops on my radar, I’ll reach out. Will you do the same for me?
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”
~Walter Winchell