As you read this musing, you have a choice. You can power through or you can pause and contemplate the questions that are asked.
Take 30 seconds and write the name or names of your best friend or friends.
Who did you identify? Was it your spouse, parent, child, sibling, high school pal, neighbor?
What are their characteristics? For example, they are a great listener. Take 3-5 minutes to jot down “what makes them your best friend?”
Do you have a good list? Many thoughts come to mind. They are the first person you want to speak to in the morning; the last before you go to bed. They listen, hear, and understand. They know you sometimes better than you know yourself. They want the best for you. They celebrate your joys and accomplishments. They console and support during your challenges, struggles, and times of sorrow. They pick you up when you are down. They encourage you to be the best “you.”
It is sometimes easy to take them for granted. You miss them and they miss you when you haven’t spoken, but you call them and pick up right where you left off.
They are honest, trusting, caring, have your back, walk by your side. They know your faults. They accept you even when you are at your worst; support you even when they don’t agree. They won’t let you fall too hard. You can and do share everything with them. They know your deepest secrets and they know what you want and need even before you do. You disappoint them, sometimes repeatedly, and they forgive you. Simply put, they love you, unconditionally.
Look at your list and the one above. The best friend you identified may have many of those characteristics.
There is One, who has all of these and more. There is One who loves you always. The One is Jesus.
Perhaps you speak to Him every day or perhaps it has been a while. Talk with your real best friend today. Talk with Him. Really talk with Him. Go past asking for what you think you need. Tell Him about your day, your tomorrow, your struggles, fears and faults, your joys, accomplishments, and aspirations. Thank Him for everything you have. Oh, and don’t forget to listen.
He has a birthday in a few weeks. He has already given us the best present we will ever receive. He gives Himself to us every minute of every day. He gives us His unconditional Love. He gives us the opportunity to live eternally in His kingdom.
He only wants one gift in return. He wants us, unworthy as we are. He wants us. He wants YOU.
