If I had to define a good friendship in a single word, it would be laughter. Nine years ago, I made a big move with my family from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. I love living in North Carolina, but there are things I miss, with friends and family topping the list. The list of good friends I left behind in Pennsylvania is extensive, and there are friends I miss in a significant way.
Before I get into talking about good friends, I need to tell you that my wife, Grace, is my best friend. If there is someone I can count on, it’s Grace. She is my rock. There is no better friend than Grace.
My favorite thing to do with my friends is laugh. Yes, it’s that simple. How we get there really doesn’t matter to me. I’ll take just about any adventure to get to the laugh. I made a new friend recently, and as he got to know me, he said, “You’re just in it for the laugh, aren’t you?” Of course, I replied, YES! Laughing provides the release of dopamine and relaxation of the body. Laughing creates bonding. Most of all, laughing is FUN!
There is, however, a serious side to friendship. Friends like my friend Tom will literally give you the shirt off their back. When we have adventures with our friends, you invariably will need help with something. That is where a good friend steps in. Good friends are always there for you. If I ever need anything, my friends are first on the scene. Even after all these years, even when we are 450 miles apart, I can count on them.
Tom is an old high school buddy. The memories of Tom are endless. When Tom and I get together, adventures happen. Not only do adventures happen, but so does A LOT of laughter! I could write an entire book on the adventures I’ve had with Tom. I’ll just share a recent example.
Several years ago, my mom downsized to a smaller home. She moved just two blocks away from my childhood home in the same neighborhood where I grew up. I was at my mom’s for a quick visit to help her get situated after her move and was unable to visit others. Tom made the effort to stop by and see me. There was an old signpost that labeled the path between my mom’s house and the neighbor’s house that leads to the school. The post had been without a sign for probably close to 35 years. I decided to attempt to remove the post by hand with a shovel and brute strength. Tom pulled up with his truck and a new trailer attached. After we said our hellos and talked about his new trailer, he asked me what I was doing. I explained that I was trying to remove the signpost, and of course, Tom offered to help. “Here, take this strap and hook it up to the sign and the trailer, and I will pull it out for you.” Tom pulled away, and the signpost bent towards the ground in one direction. I pulled it back straight by hand, and Tom pulled again with the trailer. Each time Tom pulled, the post bent a little further as it was making its way out of the ground. I would pull it back straight again, and Tom would pull. After several attempts, Tom said, “Look out!” and pulled hard. With that, the strap ripped, recoiled, and broke the taillight. Many people would get mad that their brand-new trailer just got damaged. Not Tom. As soon as it happened, you could hear laughter coming from the truck. I was not far behind him, laughing as well. After the hysteria of our adventure subsided, I immediately apologized to Tom, to which he replied, “Don’t worry about it.” I then told Tom I would replace his light, but again, he told me not to worry about it. Then he added in his serious comical way: “The light still works; it’s just a little brighter now.” Our laughter continued. What do good friends do? I bought Tom the best replacement taillight kit I could find before I headed back to North Carolina. That is what good friends do. Good friends have an adventure, laugh along the way, and take care of each other.
This is the model Jesus made for us. Do you ever think about Jesus laughing with you? To the best of my knowledge, there is no verse in the Bible that says, “And Jesus laughed.” What we do know is that Jesus was human just like us, which means Jesus laughed with us. If you have ever watched any movies that depict Jesus at the table with his disciples, what are they doing? They are talking, eating, and LAUGHING!
What did the disciples do? They helped Jesus with his ministry. Of course, we know what Jesus did for his disciples and us. We also all know the stories about Simon Peter and Judas betraying Jesus. Those stories reflect a different kind of friendship—a friendship that humans are mostly not capable of. Would you allow your friends to betray you and then still give your life for them?
Jesus modeled the type of friendship that we can only strive for. Jesus is my friend, and he gave his life for me and you. What can I do for him in return? LOVE HIM!
True friends are rare and precious gems. They laugh with us, share our joys, and lighten our burdens. They stand by us in times of need, no matter the distance or the challenges. They are there through thick and thin, making life’s journey brighter and more bearable. Remember to cherish your friends, for they are the ones who make our lives richer and our hearts fuller. In the spirit of friendship, let us laugh, love, and support each other, just as Jesus taught us.
Good Friends Look Like Jesus.