Friendship Forever

Is it just me? Since I can remember, I've always wanted to be friends with just about everybody. I place so much value in my friends that I often sacrifice sleep and relaxation for the chance to spend one-on-one time with people, no matter how good of friends we are. In fact, I will usually sacrifice more for people i don't know very well because I want so badly to get to know 'em. I realized a long time ago that I'm a special case. Generally speaking, most people are concerned only about themselves. "Does it work out with my schedule?" "My ninth hour of sleep is more important." "We're not really good friends." "I have more important things to do, like watch tv."

I want so much to impact the lives of people around me, bringing the joy of Christ and the laughter of friendship into everybody's life. A lot of people are way too high strung. Every minute of the day has to be spent getting something done, accomplishing goals, or furthering whatever desire they have. where does that leave you though? Ten years from now, will it make a difference if you went to the store right now, or got that one homework assignment done, or picked up that extra shift at work? I know these seem like huge cares in many people's lives, but for many, its just because they're greedy or proud.

What really matters, is people. Jesus came for one purpose, to save the lost! His whole ministry was spent loving others, not getting money; teaching his disciples, not solving the world's problems. In fact, I believe the world's problems will be solved - not by human efforts - but by a total change in priorities. When people's hearts go from doing tasks to loving God and loving people, I think the tasks will naturally get done. And if they don't, at least we can be a witness to people about Christ. should we help the helpless and needy? Of course! But do it in love, not our of obligation or with a sense of pride.

Finally, I have this to say. I still think about so many of my friends who have been in my life and are no longer. I know some people have no problem assigning them to "that season in my life." But I can't do that; I want to stay friends. When I try to write people off like that, I find myself continually going back and asking myself, "Could I have kept being their friend, and what would've possibly changed if I had?"

- Austin in Seattle