Often times, over the past thirteen years, I have felt like George Baily at the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life” when all the people come pouring into his house to show their love and support. Then Clarence, his guardian angel, reminds him, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” It’s true. Friends are a gift, and they can bring joy and give hope to a weary soul. When you feel lost or depressed and you can’t even lift your head, it’s friends that make the difference. True friends.

They show up when you need them most.

They give words of encouragement at just the right time.

They intercede for you in prayer before the throne of grace when you are so worn that you, yourself, just can’t.

They even give you gift cards for dinner when they know you don’t have the mental capacity to plan a meal for the family.

They send you flowers to cheer you up.

They demonstrate love in some of the smallest acts of kindness.

They love you for who you are.

They forgive you when you mess up.

They listen and sometimes tell you things you don’t want to hear but need to hear.

They sit with you.

They weep with you.

They rejoice with you.

They let you complain and vent, and they don’t judge you when you do.

It’s a humbling feeling to experience the love and support of good friends. I would be a much different person without the influence and loyalty of my friends. King Solomon had it right when he penned, “A friend loves at all times.” True friends do love at all times, even the bad times.

It is a rare thing to have friends on whom you can fully rely, and I am eternally grateful for the people in my life that I call friends.