The Gift of Friendship
The Gift of Friendship
by Chris Famisaran
Good morning boys and girls. What do you consider to be a good friend? You know, I've met a lot of people over the years and there's a few things that kind of stand out for me. Number one, somebody who cares, who has compassion, listens, and also tells the truth.
And you know, one of the things that I've been thinking about, like I've got a lot of friends and it's Christmas season, but yet I don't have a ton of money. What can I do? And I've been thinking about this and I realized that you know one of the greatest gifts is just honestly to be a really good friend and maybe send some kind of note of appreciation whether it be a text or even a handwritten note. Right? You know your best friend could be your brother, your sister, your cousin, your neighbor. But I want to encourage you, tell your friends what they mean to you maybe say, “hey, you tell the best jokes.” “You make the best food.” “You listen very well.” “And you give good advice.”
Earlier this year, I was very fortunate to reconnect with a friend. And we hadn't seen each other for many, many years, since high school. And we reconnected and we talked over FaceTime. We spent three hours just talking and catching up on life. And I really value my friend because earlier this year, I had another friend, unfortunately, who passed away in a very tragic, bad way. And I was really emotional and I didn't know how to process this. And I just said, "Hey, can you talk and listen for a bit?" And so over the next hour, we talked and I was able to share some of the things that were really on my heart and trying to figure out how something so tragic could happen to this individual. And he took the time and he was very compassionate and he listened and he provided some feedback and maybe some things that I hadn't even thought of. But he was there for me when I really needed a friend.
And sometimes when you're making friends, sometimes you have to be the first person to take that first step and just say, “hey, do you like this kind of music? Do you like this kind of food? What's your favorite TV show?” Find common interests, and be the best friend you could be because you never know you may change somebody's life. A kind word, kind gesture, a thank you can go a long ways and at the end of the day.
If you're wondering, I have no best friend, just know this is not a cliché, Jesus is also our best friend. And with that boys and girls make lots of friends be a great friend.
Let's pray, Lord. Thank you for all the children here. And I pray that you will help them as they continue to grow to form awesome friendships with other people and strengthen the ones that they already have. Bless them in all that they do. Be with their families and their parents who continue to raise them. Watch over them. Help them to become faithful disciples for you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Take care, boys and girls.