Reflections on Friendship

I've been thinking a lot about friendships this week. I took some time away from the office to meet up with some friends from high school. We've been staying in Nairobi, mostly just hanging out and catching up on each other's lives.

As we've discussed what we've each experienced over the past 8 years I must confess there's been a tinge of guilt that's come to me. Each of us have been through times when we needed a friend to lean on and there seemed to be none around. Hearing such stories I was reminded of the kinds of heartfelt friendship promises I made around our graduation. Promises like, "Just let me know what you need and I'm there."

Looking back on the years since high school I now realize that with the exception of a few phone calls, several emails, and prayer, I've never really been able to keep those promises. I've never heard that a friend was sick or hurt and been on the first plane across the country or around the world.

For a few moments I really felt I'd let my friends down, but then God reminded me that I'm human. (It's a good thing to keep in mind) As humans it is in our nature to let others down. Being human is not an excuse to disappoint others, but it's something we all do because of our nature and our limitations.

I took little comfort in knowing I wasn't the only one to let others down.

Next God reminded me of the most significant point. I am, and all other people are, human and we will all fail our friends, but He is NOT and He won't. Now, as I listened to my friend's stories, I heard that when they felt lonely God was there with them! In scripture He promises that "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you," (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). Thank God HE is true to HIS word when WE are not true to OURS. I realize now that I cannot be the perfect friend to anyone, but I also rejoice that I do have a perfect friend.