Friendship

    
   
       Friendship and friends are interesting terms. Sometimes I think we throw around the word friend to easily and somewhat cheapen the meaning. For me personally I have always been the type of person who has made friends fairly easy, at least I think so. But lately I have been doing a lot more thinking about what friendship really is. Maybe it's because the holidays are a time that you want to be around friends and family or the service at Genesis last Sunday made me want to take my thoughts on this a little deeper.
   
      As I said I have never had an issue making new friends. However as I get older I realize there are different levels of friendship. Most of the friends that I have made over the years would probably fall more into a superficial type of friend category. True we have a great time hanging out and share some of the same interest but how would we really define our friendship. How much can we confide in  each other, are they there for me when I really need somebody, am I there for them when they need someone.
   
                           As Pastor Bob said Sunday "A true friend is there until..."
   
     Of all the "friends" I have had over the years I wanted to take a look at who is still around. Who has been there for me at my worst. At times I know I have made it difficult for some to be friends with me. And through that all, who is still here. Fortunately enough I have several that have stuck by me and been with me in my worst and my best. These friends have always been there when I called and needed a hand or just an ear. I hope that I have been able to provide this to them as well. I know I am not always the best friend and that we may have differences over the years but it nice to still be able to call these few anytime and have them know that they can expect the same in return from me.

     One other friend I can't leave out is my very best friend. My wife Jessica. Over the past 8 years things have not always been easy. Marriage is interesting and of course has it's ups and downs. This last year has been especially difficult in terms of general life changes. However our marriage has really blossomed through this rough time. We are now better friends than I think we have ever been. We talk and share more than we ever have. It is incredible how trial and tribulation will bring you so much closer together. I am so very fortunate to have her in my life.

      And to my new friends it has been great getting to know you and hope we can continue building the great friendships that we have started.
     
     I just want to say thanks to those that have stuck by me through the years. I truly appreciate all that you have done for me. I hope that we can continue to be there for each other until...