The award winning TV series "Friends" ran on NBC for eight seasons. The basis for the show was the continuing relationship between a group of friends who experienced ups and downs, good times and bad but remained committed to one another over the long haul. I think that's why the show remained so popular for the length of time it did. People are looking for those types of relationships. Even if you don't have them yourself you like to witness people who do. Going all the way back to the 1950's with "I Love Lucy' the Ricardo's and Mertz's set the gold standard for true friendship. Though tested at times it seemed whatever problems or difficulties arose they were all resolved neatly over a thirty minute time span.
I'm thankful for my friends. Yesterday evening - following an exhausting week - Tami and I went to the home of two long time friends. In fact, one of them was actually a friend during our teenage years at the Holmes Road church in Memphis. We were joined by two other couples - one of which have also been long-time friends of over twenty years and the other, though newer, already a priceless friendship as well. After munching on "Pasta from Pizza Hut" we sat around the table and talked for over three hours. Just talk. And, oh yes - laughter. Lots of laughter. And good times. And enjoyment. Oh what a delight.
Silas Shotwell, a long time preacher, says that as a young minister he was told in a particular congregation not to make any close friends. It might be a show of favoritism. He says it's probably the worst advice he ever received. I've run into that same philopsophy a time or two and agree with Silas. It's about the worst thing I've ever heard. Everybody needs friends. Jesus had 'em. He even had three who were closer than the others - try Peter, Andrew and James on for size.
I needed last night big time. I needed to relax, unwind, let my hair down (ha) and chill out. I'm thankful I could do this with my friends. I think I'll write a song - "That's What Friends Are For." Sounds like a hit - wouldn't you agree?
