Thankful for friends

We give thanks to God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always concerning you by praying. Colossians 1:3

I am blessed. I could fill up numerous pages with how I am blessed, but my friends come to mind this morning. When I was in high school, I remember hearing that I would be fortunate if  the day came when I could count the number of true friends on one hand. I dismissed that comment, having many friends at the time. My definition of friend has changed over the years.

I don’t remember who told me that, but they knew what they were talking about. While I have many acquaintances, I have few good friends. Getting a good friend requires being a good friend. Being a good friend requires praying and being mindful of the blessings that friendship brings to one’s life. 

Reading this verse reminds me that I, too, have friends for which I am thankful. Reading this verse reminds me that God has placed people in my life who have strengthened my faith, challenged me in my walk, cared about my hurts, and shared the joy of life with me. For that I am thankful and convicted that I don’t pray enough for them or tell God often enough how thankful I am that He has provided people to walk with me through this life today. 

I need to spend time today thanking God for those people. I also need to sit down and write a letter or two. What about you? Who do you need to thank God for? Who do you need communicate with that you are praying for? But don’t just answer that question. Spend some time today, thanking God for your friends. Spend some more time letting someone know you prayed for them today.

~ by Michael on September 2, 2008.