real, lasting friendship!

• When life’s easy and seems like one endless social event, then we can feel like we’re invincible, Mr/Miss Popular. However, it’s not until you go through something pretty heavy or pretty ugly, that you find out who your real mates are. Who’s going to hang around and help you through the mess? That’s the essence of today’s quote from Mr Euripedes, who existed a long time ago [circa. 480 BC]. Nothing’s changed much in human nature since his time. Friends come and friends go, but real friendships - ones that last - are forged on the anvil of hard times. And it takes a long-term, revolutionary view of friendship to add lasting foundations to that relationship; ones which will weather all the world's temporary storms.
  
  
• Perhaps you’ve not gone through what many would consider a ‘hard time’ yet. Or maybe in your short life, you’ve suffered some huge letdowns or upsetting times. Or maybe still, you’re somewhere in the middle; you’ve had a few life problems along the way and you sure as anything appreciated your mates around you then. I bet there’s a core group of friends you have around you today. Well, this week, we’re going to concentrate on them, giving thanks for them, loving, serving and praying for them.
  
  
• Pick one or two of your closest friends and find somewhere private you can go and pray. Thank God for them, for the times they stood by you or for times in the future where you may need their help. Ask God to bless your friendship with them and to show you how to be an amazing friend to them. Ask God for something to bless them with today; a word of encouragement or a verse from scripture.
  
  
• Next, do something revolutionary for them today! What’s going on in their lives at the moment? What problems are they experiencing? How can you help? Obviously, you need to be sensitive, as you’re not Superhuman and can’t solve every problem, yet think about what is in your power to show them you care, that you’re there and that you love them? Ask God to show you.
  
  
• Finally, remember to tell them how much they mean to you. Now, I know that sounds a bit gushy and a bit uncool - but why not select a suitable time to say something like: “Remember that time you helped me out last Summer, when I was just gutted about....and you stepped in and sorted it out? Well, I was thinking about that the other day, and I just want to say thanks again! You’re a real mate!”