That's what friends are for.....

I was reminded this morning what friendship is really all about. Too many times we want to think friendship is about shopping sprees and secrets. True friendship is about sharing deep concerns and holding one another up during times of weakness. It is so easy to become focused on our own issues that we forget to look around us at the people in the same room. I know that I am very guilty of this. But, like I said, this morning this idea of real christian friendship...I mean the kind of friendship that says, "You are such a good friend I feel your pain." came to life for me. I was in the bathroom at church and struck up a conversation with a lady. Right there, in front of the sinks, we just had ourselves a mini counseling session. We let it all out. We talked about some things that are going on in each of our lives and how we both feel sad, angry and disappointed at times. We agreed together that we can pray for one another and for the others involved. We also laughed about how wonderful it is to know that each of us is not alone in these feelings. I wonder why we have allowed ourselves to believe we must pretend like everything is perfect all of the time and not let others know what is really going on in our lives. Why is it that we aren't willing to listen to others when they have a need or a concern? Real, honest to goodness friendship is not just about tea parties and scones. It is also about band-aids and antibiotic ointment.