Being a Friend
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Being a Friend
Having friends are important. However, I believe being a friend is even more important. We go through life thinking we have countless friends, but do we really? I would venture to say that most people have many acquaintances, but not many true, authentic friends—especially during the storms of life.
A couple years ago I had a conversation with my good friend, Ralph Reyes. Ralph has been a MLB scout with the Los Angeles Angels for many years. While chatting by phone, Ralph said he was making a three-hour drive north from Miami to have a late breakfast with his friend who is struggling through his own personal life storm. He is in need of a friend he can talk to and who will listen. I was quickly reminded: to have friends we must be a friend.
Ralph then made this important statement; “As a baseball scout, we don’t think twice about driving three or four hours to evaluate a player who turns out not to be a prospect. Then get back in the car, drive back home, only to do it all over again the very next day. Why wouldn’t we do the same thing for our friend who is in need?”
My friend Ralph—he gets it! Jesus reminds us in the verse above about the value of being a friend. He reminds us that a “true friend sticks by you like family.” They don’t just give a wink, or a nod, or a pat on the back, or a “hang in there, I’ll say a prayer for you” vote of confidence. The cost of true friendship requires action and is willing to be interrupted in order to serve the needs of their friend. Jesus goes as far as reminding us that a true friend will lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). That is a friendship that knows no boundaries.
I am not sure what you are struggling with in your life today. However, we all need a trusted friend, and we all need to be a trusted friend. When the storm clouds gather, we cherish those people who we know we can turn to, who will always be there with a hug, a kind word, a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on if we need it. May I remind you today there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother, and that friend is Jesus Christ. Lean into Him today—and then be that same kind of friend to others who are hurting, struggling and in need of hope and encouragement as they endure their storm in life.
Love God, Love People, Live Sent!
Be Worth Being,
Kevin
Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.