A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 (ESV)
Wise older friends around me who are living fulfilled lives tell me that when it comes down to it, life is all about the people we love and the adventures we share. It is not about what we have gathered around us materially which requires continual energy to protect, manage and steward. The cherished commodity of aging is energy and dispensing it wisely according to carefully thought out priorities is the pinnacle of wisdom.
Recently I was sitting with a dear woman friend who was telling me about a serious diagnosis that her husband received. He had been feeling fine, but a blood test revealed he was in reality fighting multiple myeloma cancer. This shocking news stirred her to reach out to a Christian brother they both knew and respected who was also fighting this same disease. When she called this man to tell him the news, he simply asked, “Where are you?” and then added, “I’ll be right there!” He immediately dropped everything and came in person to comfort, educate and instruct them from his own life experience.
“I’ll be right there” is a common, very straightforward way of telling someone that you are quickly coming to them in person. It is saying, “I care! I’ll be right there.” “I can help! I’ll be right there.” “Don’t worry! I’ll be right there.” In a time of need, are there any more beautiful words that these?
A genuine friend is better than crowds of insincere friends who will disappear at the first sign of trouble. This verse in Proverbs underscores the importance of knowing those who are worthy of our friendship and trust—those we can love with loyalty and will love us back with loyalty—sticking closer than a brother.
How can I identify a genuine friend? I look for someone who loves unwaveringly—allowing nothing to separate the commitment to being present in the relationship. And while I am at it—I look for someone who is open to sharing adventures with me. Then we both grab up opportunities to demonstrate our deep heart-felt commitment to one another.