In my last post, I introduced you to my cousin and best friend, Jessica. She and I have been best friends literally since birth. Last week we upheld tradition and spent 5 days as counselors for the Senior High Girls at Friendsville Quarterly Meeting's Church Camp, an annual ritual that we have shared every summer since we were about 10 years old. All of our summers as campers sharing bunks and camp secrets have transformed into summers as counselors sharing devotions and stories with eager kids longing for a glimpse of God.
After sharing the story of my own best friend, my mind naturally began sifting through the endless reasons why Jessica held that title. What do we look for when determining who will fill that role in our lives? Are there traits that are more important than others? Is there really any human being who possesses them all? My list is definitely not all-inclusive, but these are the qualities and phrases that I think of when I look at Jessica; when I'm outlining the blueprint for the "built in best friend" that God would have created for me.
After buckets of tears and testimonies, our Thursday night candlelight service at camp ended. As we closed in prayer, I was anxious for the moment I could escape the crowd to have a moment alone with God. The last night of camp is always the most emotional. The Holy Spirit seems to move on this night more than any other throughout the week. Not to mention that this year camp was a bit more difficult than usual. This was the first year of camp since my Aunt Cindy passed away. Before we joined hands to close in a circle of prayer, our camp evangelist shared during silent worship. He recalled his close friendship with my Aunt Cindy. He shared his feelings when he found out that she had passed away. As he shared, instantly, I was back in my car on the side of the interstate, hearing the words I had hoped weren't coming. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I got that call 7 months ago; I was equally overwhelmed recalling that moment last week.
I needed to get away. I walked up the hill past the mess hall, past the cabins, to a bench shaped boulder that sits by itself near the walking path to the pool. The seat was the perfect height and size, illuminated by a single light that seemed strategically placed to light up my resting place. God had prepared a place for me. I sat and cried and prayed. With tears streaming and a pounding heart, I poured out my pain. As instantly and assuredly as Jessica would have, God listened, comforted me, reassured me, and quieted my tears. It was clear that he had anticipated my visit and prepared a place especially for me to be with him. Red cheeked and glossy eyed, I experienced the genuine, overwhelming friendship I share with Jesus, my Savior. So many times we forget that he desperately longs to be our very best friend for all of eternity. That night, the Holy Spirit showed me those same traits that Jessica shows me, only he shared them in their most genuine, most perfect form.
Such an important statement deserves to be repeated; God deeply desires to be our very, very best friend. In John 15, Christ calls us his friends. John 15: 13-15 reads, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." Christ not only called us his friends, but He also stepped down to the Earth and gave His life to seal our friendship and His love for us. Even more, after He gave His life and rose from the grave, Christ continues to effortlessly exhibit all the traits that only our closest friends can begin to try and bless us with. Throughout the Bible, there are various mentions of some of those traits that we should show each other as friends. In Colossians 3: 12-15 it reads, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Throughout my Christian life, I am constantly amazed by the extraordinary love Christ has for me. I am continuously realizing the truth that He deeply desires to be my closest companion. As I ponder my list of "best friend" characteristics, I can't help but draw a comparison to the list of ways that Christ has consistently shown me His deep longing to fill that place in my life.
Although I couldn't reach out and physically touch Him, Christ was by my side as I sat on that bench shaped boulder, arms wrapped around me, sharing in my pain and providing the comfort that only my closest friend could provide. He had gone before me to prepare a place where we could meet; He was waiting to comfort me, listen to me, share in my pain, and show me His love. I just had to take a moment to confide in Him, my Best Friend. Not only has Jessica been a blessing to me because of her presence in my life, but she has also provided a glimpse of that amazing, unfailing, perfect love that my God and Father has for me; the same love that He personally poured out on me last week and is waiting to pour out on you. The love and friendship that Jessica and I share is strong, but it is of this world. The love and friendship that God and I share is heavenly, perfect, eternal, and more than anything I could ever experience from another human being.
So ultimately, what do we look for when determining who is qualified to fill the role of best friend in our lives? I would say love. Are there traits that are more important than others? I would say love. And finally, is there really any human being who has them all? I would say no. The beautiful thing though is we have a friend that does. Jesus does. He's my homeboy. Is He yours?
Love in Christ,
Cori
After sharing the story of my own best friend, my mind naturally began sifting through the endless reasons why Jessica held that title. What do we look for when determining who will fill that role in our lives? Are there traits that are more important than others? Is there really any human being who possesses them all? My list is definitely not all-inclusive, but these are the qualities and phrases that I think of when I look at Jessica; when I'm outlining the blueprint for the "built in best friend" that God would have created for me.
- Present in joy and sorrow
- A place of refuge
- A source of advice
- Unafraid to show "tough love"
- Someone who is sympathetic
- A support system who will share my burdens
- Prideful in our friendship
- Forgiving of my shortcomings
- Outwardly thankful for our friendship
- Irreplaceable
- Patient
- Consistently supportive
- Loyal
- Integrated into every part of my life
After buckets of tears and testimonies, our Thursday night candlelight service at camp ended. As we closed in prayer, I was anxious for the moment I could escape the crowd to have a moment alone with God. The last night of camp is always the most emotional. The Holy Spirit seems to move on this night more than any other throughout the week. Not to mention that this year camp was a bit more difficult than usual. This was the first year of camp since my Aunt Cindy passed away. Before we joined hands to close in a circle of prayer, our camp evangelist shared during silent worship. He recalled his close friendship with my Aunt Cindy. He shared his feelings when he found out that she had passed away. As he shared, instantly, I was back in my car on the side of the interstate, hearing the words I had hoped weren't coming. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I got that call 7 months ago; I was equally overwhelmed recalling that moment last week.
I needed to get away. I walked up the hill past the mess hall, past the cabins, to a bench shaped boulder that sits by itself near the walking path to the pool. The seat was the perfect height and size, illuminated by a single light that seemed strategically placed to light up my resting place. God had prepared a place for me. I sat and cried and prayed. With tears streaming and a pounding heart, I poured out my pain. As instantly and assuredly as Jessica would have, God listened, comforted me, reassured me, and quieted my tears. It was clear that he had anticipated my visit and prepared a place especially for me to be with him. Red cheeked and glossy eyed, I experienced the genuine, overwhelming friendship I share with Jesus, my Savior. So many times we forget that he desperately longs to be our very best friend for all of eternity. That night, the Holy Spirit showed me those same traits that Jessica shows me, only he shared them in their most genuine, most perfect form.
Such an important statement deserves to be repeated; God deeply desires to be our very, very best friend. In John 15, Christ calls us his friends. John 15: 13-15 reads, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you." Christ not only called us his friends, but He also stepped down to the Earth and gave His life to seal our friendship and His love for us. Even more, after He gave His life and rose from the grave, Christ continues to effortlessly exhibit all the traits that only our closest friends can begin to try and bless us with. Throughout the Bible, there are various mentions of some of those traits that we should show each other as friends. In Colossians 3: 12-15 it reads, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Throughout my Christian life, I am constantly amazed by the extraordinary love Christ has for me. I am continuously realizing the truth that He deeply desires to be my closest companion. As I ponder my list of "best friend" characteristics, I can't help but draw a comparison to the list of ways that Christ has consistently shown me His deep longing to fill that place in my life.
- He wants to be included in our lives, through sadness, joy, triumph, sorrow, and all things in between. Memories from our lives should include Christ's presence.
- He wants to become our daily companion; not just a life vest that we reach for when things get rough.
- He wants to be our "first call" through all the significant moments in life; our "go-to" and our guide.
- He wants us to look to Him for advice, through prayer, silent worship, and scripture study.
- He is there to sympathize with us. He wants to share our joys, sorrows, victories, pain, burdens, and all those things that we must face in this life.
- He is proud to call us His own and wants us to share that pride in our friendship with Him.
- We are more precious than gold in His eyes; He desires to have that same value to us, to be irreplaceable.
- He is a consistent presence for us and wants us to be consistent in our fellowship with Him.
- He wants to become part of every aspect of our lives; just as our friends are integrated into our families, hobbies, struggles, relationships, God desires that integration into our lives.
- He wants us to be real with Him, not hiding anything but sharing everything just as we would with our earthly best friend.
- He wants us to boast of His goodness, friendship, and love; sharing the joy that He brings to our lives will prompt others to seek a friendship with Him.
Although I couldn't reach out and physically touch Him, Christ was by my side as I sat on that bench shaped boulder, arms wrapped around me, sharing in my pain and providing the comfort that only my closest friend could provide. He had gone before me to prepare a place where we could meet; He was waiting to comfort me, listen to me, share in my pain, and show me His love. I just had to take a moment to confide in Him, my Best Friend. Not only has Jessica been a blessing to me because of her presence in my life, but she has also provided a glimpse of that amazing, unfailing, perfect love that my God and Father has for me; the same love that He personally poured out on me last week and is waiting to pour out on you. The love and friendship that Jessica and I share is strong, but it is of this world. The love and friendship that God and I share is heavenly, perfect, eternal, and more than anything I could ever experience from another human being.
So ultimately, what do we look for when determining who is qualified to fill the role of best friend in our lives? I would say love. Are there traits that are more important than others? I would say love. And finally, is there really any human being who has them all? I would say no. The beautiful thing though is we have a friend that does. Jesus does. He's my homeboy. Is He yours?
Love in Christ,
Cori