It's not terribly easy for me to make friends with people. I'm more shy and backward and afraid of what people think of me than I would like to admit. I have been burned by friends and friendships in the past, and, as a result, am more cautious now. (I'm sure I've also had something to do with the downfall of a couple of those friendships and I hate that - but like to think I'm a better person now and have learned from those experiences).
That being said, when I do make a friend now, when I do really get to know and trust someone, I take that bond pretty seriously. No matter how often we get to hang out or talk, my girlfriends are the people I go to when I need something only they can provide. And, I trust them with my heart and my life. And they are precious, beautiful women whom I admire and love. And when they are hurt, I get mad. Not just a little mad, but like Mrs. Potatohead from Toy Story 2 mad. I put on my angry eyes. I know it's probably not the best response, but it's my first reaction. For me, it's one thing to be hurt myself, but a whole different thing to see the people I love hurting. I hate it. And I hate it more when I can't do anything about it but pray. Not that prayer is not 'enough' but just that it's hard to feel passive.
I have a friend that I love, that I cherish, and she's been going through a rough patch for, oh, a couple years now. And just when it seems like things are getting a little better and she's able to heal a bit, something else happens. And it makes me angry for her because she doesn't deserve it. No one does, but her especially. I pray for her daily, but right now, I just want to shake some sense into the people hurting her.
It reminds me of that quote from Ghandi that makes us all, as Christians, hurt - I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.
So now you know. My friends are just a little important to me.
Your friends are blessed to have you. You AND your angry eyes.
ReplyDeleteAnd that Ghandi quote? Sadly so true.