Americans may be watching the news and scratching their heads, wondering why they should be giving thanks this holiday. A murderous rampage at a place of worship in Texas. Sexual scandals in Hollywood and everywhere. A rogue regime threatening to unleash a nuclear holocaust.
The headlines are frightening, disheartening, unnerving. It makes you wonder: What kind of a world do we live in? The answer is this planet is inhabited by flawed people. Some with more serious demons than others. In times of chaos like these, our outlook turns bleak and our souls are shaken.
In the midst of tumult, there is no better antidote than a good friend. Or, if you are blessed, a whole bunch of friends. They can be a spouse, a sibling, a new or old neighbor, a co-worker or a former classmate. Friends are out ultimate support system. Our cure for depression. Our candle of hope.
Friends comfort us when we need to be uplifted. They are there with an encouraging word, a kind jesture or a soft pat on the shoulder. Friends are present even when we don't realize we need them. That's why there is no greater treasure in life than a friend.
When we confront tough decisions, it is consoling to have a friend to consult. They listen patiently even as we prattle on with a long-winded explanation of the choices we face. Friends nod and remind us that we have make difficult judgements in the past. We'll rise above this trauma too.
When we are in a medical crisis, friends visit us in the hospital or after surgery. They hug us and make us feel cared for. Friends don't leave us to brave the unknown by ourselves. They hold our hands, look into our sad eyes and lend a sympathetic ear to our complaints about pain and suffering.
Friends are there when we lose a loved one to death. They stand by our side, prop us up emotionally and share our grief at the funeral. They may be lost for words but they never leave us to handle the sorrow alone. Even when we have exhausted every emotion, friends help us rediscover strength.
When we are in need, friends answer the call. It could be the use of a car because our clunker is at the dealership. Or a picking up a restaurant tab because we have forgotten our credit card at home. Or taking our kids trick-or-treating because we are out of town on business.
In dire circumstance, friends soar to the occasion. Our home is lost in a flood or a rampaging fire. Friends open their homes and hearts to us. They take us in and treat us as family. They expect nothing in return for their generosity. Friends desire only our continued friendship.
Friends accompany us on our faith journey. They encourage us when even when we behave badly or fall short of expectations. They never judge. They never rebuke. They never say "I told you so." They are there to remind us that God loves us even in our weakness. Our walk resumes in earnest.
Friends often know us better than anyone else. They have seen us in the best of times and the worst. They understand our flaws, our imperfections and our peccadillos. Despite that, friends love us for the person we are, not the version we are striving to become. They prize the good we fail to see.
Friends keep our secrets, even the ones we fear most of being exposed. We can share anything with friends knowing the information will be held in confidence. They are discrete even when others cajole them for details about what's bugging us. Friends draw closer when we share inner thoughts.
Perhaps, what friends do best is keep us grounded. When our egos are inflated or our pride engulfs us, friends know just what to say to bring us floating back to Earth. It may be a joke, a subtle jab or just a gentle comment, but it restores our humility. And we are grateful for their chiding.
This Thanksgiving, take time to be grateful for your friends. Remember new and old friends. Recall the forgotten ones. Make a new friend. Friends are the better part of our lives. We should cherish every friend. Not just during this holiday but every day of the year.
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