Lately I've been lamenting the fact that I have very few friends. I have a lot of acquaintances, but very few real friends. When I was growing up it was just the opposite. I was never at a loss for finding something to do with one of my multitude of friends. But now at age 51.998, in my mind, I find myself alone.
Now before I send invitations to the Pity Party I am about to throw for myself, let me explain what I mean. I am not confusing the fact that I am loved by a lot of people. I mean, hey, it's Brother Bill, how can you not love me, right? I love Mrs. Planet Kirby and we are best friends, but that's not what I'm talking about either. I am talking about the old days. The times when my buddy Steve and I would hang out together. I long for the days of hanging with Ronnie Whitacre and getting into trouble for just being teenagers. God, I miss those days. Why is that I wonder?
I've tried to rekindle some of those relationships to no avail. I guess everyone is busy or has moved on. I get it. I guess I've moved on also. Maybe in some pathetic way I'm saying that maybe I'm just looking for some male bonding. The other day I had lunch with a customer, a male customer, and over crab cakes and sweet tea, we talked about sleep apnea and low testosterone. Honestly, I couldn't remember a time when I had so much fun at lunch. It was nice to talk with someone who was a guy, my age, and we had so much in common.
So, in usual God fashion, He reminded me of something today. I was reading from the Gospel of John and I found these words spoken by my friend, Jesus... "I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father has told me." Sometimes I hate it when God does this. I'm trying to throw myself a Pity Party and then He goes and has me read something that makes me feel all stupid and stuff.
A friend is someone that you can call any time of the day or night. A friend is someone who listens even when you want to talk about the health issues of a 51.998 year old man. A friend is someone who understands you and feels your pain. A friend will laugh and cry with you. A friend will laugh at your jokes even when it's not funny. A friend will make you feel better when you're feeling down. You can tell your inner most fears to a friend. I guess Jesus really is my friend.
Even though Jesus is my friend, I think maybe I'll skip the male bonding with Him. I think maybe I'd have a little trouble saying to Jesus, "Hey, would you look at that cute girl over there?" He would probably just look at me and say, "How about that? My dad does pretty good work, huh?" Hmm. I guess I can love Jesus and appreciate all of God's creations after all.
In the meantime, if you want to be my friend, you can get me at planetkirby@gmail.com or by sending me a message on my favorite social network.
Be Well.
Bill
