The Year of the Friend

Several months ago, a friend of mine sent to me a short article on relationships titled: "A reason, a season, or a lifetime." I found it useful because it helped me to come to terms with the inevitable phases of human friendship.

I have been blessed -- many times over -- by people from each of the three categories: Season, reason, or lifetime. I have often wondered what has become of those with whom I had worked, played, helped, or had received help. I have grieved over relationships that I have starved of necessary attention because of self-centered interests or laziness. In my heart, I know that my life would have been fuller and richer had I only reciprocated. I know that it is not humanly possible to redeem these situations. Some of my greatest champions died long ago.

Oswald Chambers wrote: "True friendship is so rare on earth. It means identifying with someone in thought, heart, and spirit." So, I have decided to dedicate 2009 to my friends; or, more accurately, to being the kind of good friend that many others have been to me -- whether for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

While I am in the moment of using cliches and the words of others, allow me this borrowed thought: "A true friend doubles our joy and divides our sorrows." With that kind of help, 2009 can be the best year yet!