I'll be there for you

"When you have your health, you have everything.” You’ve probably heard this statement, or a variation of it, countless times and wondered if it really is the “be all, end all” declaration people intend. Recently, something more important than health presented itself – a selfless act of true friendship. There are many ways to define a friend: those within your immediate circle (almost like family, the really close ones who will answer a 2:00 a.m. call), those within your circle of influence (co-workers, neighbors, church or social group members) and those with whom you maintain a more distant, generally passive acquaintance. Every friendship, no matter its duration or definition, is important in this life, and each one serves a unique and distinct purpose (1 John 4:11) –- an occasion for God to bless both parties through the time they spend together (1 Corinthians 9:23). Whether a friend goes out of his or her way to drop you at the airport, bring you fresh homemade chicken soup when you’re sick, or help you move all your personal belongings on a Sunday afternoon in 100+ degree heat, you can count on God to make that time engaging, energizing and valuable (Proverbs 12:14). Having good friends you can count on for anything is, in no small part, a measure of being one yourself and helping others at any and every opportunity, no matter how large or small the task at hand might be. Step right up, you’re being served.