By Kelly Carr 

Did you know the first Sunday in August is considered Friendship Day, as proclaimed by Congress? Many other countries have also adopted this same date to celebrate friendship—an international camaraderie. That warms my heart and helps me stop to consider the solid friendships in my life. 

True Friends

It’s been interesting to observe the friendships between children at my daughter’s school. Each year when the kids are put into new classrooms, the friends they are closest to may be tweaked a little 

Can you recall your early friendships back in innocent times? 

There were also those first times when you learned the tough lessons of friendship—when a friend moved away or when a friend chose another person to whisper to and left you out. Perhaps you remember a shattered spirit when a solid friendship began to show some cracks. You learn early who your true friends are. 

Even as adults certain friendships are stronger or more distant in various years, as life moves us in different directions. But that’s one joy of technology. I can still see photos of distant friends online and marvel at how their children have grown. I can call and text to check in on friends when it’s been months or years since we’ve been face to face. I can read stories of their joys and pray specifically when I hear of their needs. 

These past 9 to 12 months my family has experienced several huge occasions when we would not have made it without our friends. I’m thankful to have a number of ladies I know I can call on when I need immediate prayer, a listening ear, a hug, and motivation to keep going. I know friends who will help me out, and they know I’ll reciprocate. I appreciate my husband’s friendship with one particular friend for the benefits I see in their lives. The two men talk through things and challenge each other. They offer encouragement and wise advice. 

Life Together

I’m thankful that God created us to bond with other people. Though he is our provider, he knew we’d need earthly folks to experience life with. What blessings friends are as we enjoy laughs and events together. And what a help they are to make us better people. 

Consider the friends in your life. Who has been there for you, steady and strong? Find a way this week to tell those friends how important they are to you. Who makes you laugh no matter what? Send a card expressing the joy they bring. When something amazing happens, who is the first person you want to tell? Call and thank that friend this week. Whose wisdom and example makes you a stronger Christian? Text that person Proverbs 27:17. 

I like the way the New Living Translation words Hebrews 12:15: “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God.” That’s one of our callings as Christians—we are to care about people. Let’s be sure that we heed that command and not only appreciate the friends who are looking out for us but also act as a true friend and look out for others.