Then God Created Friendship
Simon and Garfunkel
PROVERBS 18:24
“There is a friend that is closer than a brother”
WHEN FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY.
Art Garfunkel regrets his tumultuous relationship with Paul Simon. At least, that’s what his son, Art Jr., told London’s The Times. Following decades of tension between the two, Garfunkel was reported as saying, “Paul’s my brother; he’s family.” Of course, friends, just like families, can be complicated. They endure highs and lows and in some cases, decades of tension. As I like to say, “When King David wrote the twenty-third Psalm and said, ‘You have prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies.’, he may have been speaking of Thanksgiving dinner.
Yes, friendships, similar to families, are places where truth will eventually come out and be exposed. You can’t lie effectively to those closest to you and you can’t masquerade behind masks forever. Eventually, all the warts and scars are exposed and people are given the choice to love or to leave. And of course, that makes these relationships difficult. But in the end, they are worth returning for. Through the highs and lows of life friendship remains a gift. That’s because few know us better and have put up with more than our families and friends have. There’s value in just realizing that someone has “endured” for the long haul, regardless of all the reasons to leave.
FRIENDSHIP IS A GIFT.
We may not realize what a gift friendship actually is. Still, that’s exactly how the Bible presents it. Whether it be Peter’s connection to Christ, Paul’s relationship with Timothy, David’s kenship with Jonathan, or even Adam’s bond to Eve, in each and every case it was an alliance given and gifted by God himself. Yes, there were times that the relationships got ugly (see Peter denying Jesus three times), disappointing (when Adam and Eve started the blame game), and even down right weird (Did Paul seriously ask Timothy to be circumcised and not ask Titus to do the same?). And that’s how friendships are. They have highs and lows, ups and downs, and everything in-between. Still, that’s what makes them so special.
MAYBE IT’S TIME TO RE-CONNECT WITH OUR FRIENDS.
Perhaps its about time to reach out and let those who have put up with us know that we truly see them as a gift from God. Don’t let time, space, and circumstances stop you from rekindling with that kindred spirit you hold dear. The time is now. Carpe Fraternitas!
