Friend of God

Friend of God

God, you have called me "friend" along with the many other names you gave me. What does it mean for me to be your friend?  When I think of friendship, I think of two people who spend time together because they want to. No other obligation requires them to have a relationship. They aren't bound by the ties of family; they aren't thrown together at work or on a committee.  They aren't stuck awkwardly sitting next to each other at their kids' swimming lessons. Maybe one of those situations is how they met, but something ignited within both people to make them desire to spend more time together, even when the obligation was done. Now they call or text each other, comment on each other's Facebook posts, go out to dinner, go shopping together, have craft parties, exchange gifts at Christmas, and meet at Starved Rock to go hiking. They could stop talking. They could stop meeting, but they don't want to. Both people enjoy life more when it includes friendship with each other. 

Is that how you feel about me, Lord?  You have called me "friend."  Nothing requires you to have a relationship with me. You could let me live my own life apart from you, yet you call me and say, "I miss you. Let's spend some time together."  I could live my life without you. Many people do. Yet there is something about you that makes my life better. When I go too long without talking to you or spending time with you, I miss you. Sometimes I just need to talk to you and get things off of my chest when I'm having a bad day. I inevitably walk away from that conversation feeling better. You inspire me and encourage me. You love me as I am while still wishing the best for me. Isn't that what friends do?  How am I a friend to you?  Because friendship has to go both ways; it is a reciprocal relationship. Do you miss me when we haven't talked in awhile?  Do you like listening to what I think?  Do you like seeing what I will create?  Do I inspire you? Do I encourage you?  Do I make you laugh?  Is your life better just because I'm in it?  

I'm glad we are friends. I'm glad you are not just my judge, my father, my provider, or my savior. All of those roles are important to me, too, but having you as a friend makes it easier to accept them. Being criticized by a friend (you really shouldn't buy that dress; it looks weird on you) is easier than accepting judgement from a stranger.  Listening to my father when he is also a friend is richer than having to obey a cold and distant father just because he is my parent.  When I am in need, accepting provisions from a friend is sweeter and more pleasant than being beholden to a stranger or a system.  I know that the gift was given with loving generosity, and I would gladly return the favor for my dear friend.

Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for choosing to do life with me. My life is better with you in it.