The famed golfer Tiger Woods, while attaining greatness on the golf course, has led a life off the course that has been a series of self-inflicted tragedies. He was asked this year if he had any close friends. He replied, “I have several acquaintances.”
A true blessing in life is having great friendships. Solomon wrote, “A friend loves at all times,” and “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Pro, 17:17,18:24). When we need someone to talk to during life’s ups and downs, someone to be by our side, a great friend is always there. In the Old Testament, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, stood between his father and David and protected David. “For he loved him as he loved his own life” (1 Sam. 20:17. That is what friends do.
Friendships do not just happen; they are developed over time. Friends stay in touch with each other. They do things together and include each other in their life activities. They share life’s troubles and rejoice in life’s pleasures. They become a part of each other’s family. You can’t make old friends. They develop over time, they are a blessing in days of youth, and a comfort in old age. Don’t live life alone. Start today being a friend with someone and watch that friendship grow. Don’t try to go through life having only acquaintances.
-Dennis Doughty
