A Priceless Gift

Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense? A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor. (Proverbs 17:16-18 ESV). Helen Steiner Rice wrote: "Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold, but its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold - for gold is cold and lifeless, it can neither see nor hear, and in the time of trouble it is powerless to cheer. It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand, it cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand. So, when you ask God for a GIFT, be thankful if He sends not diamonds, pearls, or riches, but the love of real true friends." Seems like there has been an abundance of poems and anecdotes that focus on friendship. I began thinking about the priceless quality of friendship. C. Raymond Bryan has written the following definition of friendship: Friends are people with whom you dare to be yourself. Your soul can be naked with them. They ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. They do not want you to be better or worse. When you are with them, you feel as a prisoner feels who has been declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, as long as it is genuinely you. Friends understand those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With them you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and envies and hates and vicious sparks, your meannesses and absurdities, and in opening them up to friends, they are lost, dissolved on the white ocean of their loyalty. They understand. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse them, neglect them, tolerate them. Best of all, you can keep still with them. It makes no matter. They like you. They are like fire that purges to the bone. They understand. You can weep with them, sing with them, laugh with them, and pray with them. Through it all—and underneath—they see, know, and love you. A friend? What is a friend? Just one, I repeat, with whom you dare to be yourself. On one occasion, Peppermint Patty said to Marcie: “I’d like to read this book, Marcie, but I’m kind of afraid. I had a grandfather who didn’t think much of reading.” She continued by saying, “He always said that if you read too many books, your head would fall off.” Marcie responds, “you start the first chapter, and I’ll hold onto your head!” Today, why don’t you find the friend you value and tell them! Unless you are willing to GIVE friendship, you cannot fully RECEIVE friendship! In like manner, we can only truly know love at its FULLEST, by knowing God, and inviting His Son, Jesus Christ, in to our heart and life. It is a priceless gift!