Love My Friends

My friends are the best.  I got one of the best phone calls yesterday from a long time friend who now lives down in Texas.  He called me at 1:45 and before I knew it, it was 3:15.  Not that we haven't spoke in a  long time, but that when you have that great friend, you can talk forever and it's not made up junk.

What I value most about all of my friends is that our conversations are genuine no matter how brief or extended the conversation may be.  We can talk about the mundane matters of life, what's going on in the world, how we really feel about the state of America (not good), issues relating to male health, finances, our family and the list goes on and on.  I can say whatever I want to say to him and know in my heart that I won't hear it anyplace else.  He has been that way ever since college.

Because of people like him, life is great.  He might be in Texas (outside of Dallas) but, time and space is nothing when that phone rings.  Distance is just a plane or car ride away. Another of my friends has it right, she and her son will jump in her car and take a road trip.  They grab a map and hit the road.  What great spirit of adventure.  They don't know anyone along the way, they just pick a place and head for it, and they take their time getting there and back.  I love my friends.

One in Atlanta will call me out of the blue and say that I was on his mind so he thought he should call me.  Another here in Charlotte will be on a business trip in some obscure place and make time to call and say hello.  My college roommate will be on his way to SC and GA with kids on a college tour and when they stop in Charlotte - makes his way to my house.  I've gained some good friends after moving to little Indian Trail,NC. When I see these guys - I learn something from them every time.  I enjoyed being a cub and boy scout when I was younger, but these guys are die hard scouts.  No, not because there isn't anything else to do, but because of the bond you form.  It's like a brotherhood you didn't expect to fall into, but you can't live without.

My sister down in Alabama makes me smile just thinking about her.  I know that she has my back no matter what.  She is the one who told me that I would have 4 kids and we would go back and forth about the number.  I would tell her - us 4 and no more.  She would respond - us 6 and that's it.  She is so in tune with God, it's like a female version of Moses.  Like God spoke to her and said " I no longer call you servant, but I call you friend"  But just don't let her lay hands on you in the hospital, because she can also tell when it's your time to be with the Lord and your butt is about to check out - just kidding!!!!  I love you Phyllis.  She really is an amazing woman of God.  She is told me and my wife early in our marriage that we would have 3 girls and a boy - and sure enough that's what we had.

There are 4 guys at my church that are like brothers to me.  They don't see color, they don't see flaws, they don't care that  I'm not perfect and they don't care what I'm going through to the point of being able to correct and encourage at the same time.  These men of God are examples of what Jesus looks and sound like.  My brothers - Greg, Jerry, Jason and Randy - are some of the best men of God.  They don't brag and inflate any of their accomplishments.  They don't say one thing and then do another, and they are always looking out for me and my family.  There are others who are good people and give good advise, but these guys are exceptional without trying.  In a church of 7,000 people you think it would be easy to make friends - no, you can get lost in a crowd and some people attend large churches to hide.  These men find you hiding and pull you out.

Most of all, my best friend - my wife.  This woman has stuck with me through thick and thin.  I can't express the depth of love and gratitude I have for her being in my life.  God knew what I needed, who I needed and when I needed her.  She balances out who I am.  I love, respect and appreciate her for all that she is, all who she is and all she does for me and our family.  Most woman would have MAJOR issues with their husband being out of work for 2.5 years and be ready to throw them out.  Not mine.  She loves me unconditionally and she shows it.  I joke about being Celie from Color Purple ( and I do relate to her in a lot of ways) but my wife does not treat me like Mister (Albert) - she honors me, prays for and with me, holds me up, encourages me, and makes sure I am a happy husband.

I thank my God, every time I think of each of you.  My life would be empty if you weren't a part of it.  I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!!!