Back in highschool the mentality was that the more friends you had, the more people you knew, the more parties you went to equaled how ‘cool’ and ‘popular’ you were. After three years of college you learn that not all of these ‘friends’ stick around and even if they do its just to hit you up for parties and drinks. But what happens when you need them the most? What happens when you need someone to talk to – to really talk to? What happens when you just need someone to spend time with? What happens when your done with the whole party scene? What happens when you need someone to help you? Will those same friends stand by you?
I am proud to say that I have never had to second guess myself when it comes to knowing who will be by my side when I need them. God has richly blessed my life with the kind of friends who support me even during my darkest times and celebrate with me during my brightest.
So when I hear about all those ‘cool, popular kids’ (even in college) who, in a rare vulnerable state – consciously or unconsciously – express how at the end of the day they really have no one, I find it really sad. I don’t pity them – oh no. It’s just the mere fact that a person feels that they have no one to depend on saddens me. A billion facebook friends won’t make a difference if not even one will stand by you. Those friends don’t make a difference if they don’t even see you for who you REALLY are – not just a label.
I don’t roll with a huge entourage but the ones I do have never ever once let me feel that I need anyone else. I have 4 of the greatest best friends in the world and quite a few good friends I can always rely on. Leaving the easy forced life together in highschool and entering the busy – on your own grind – college life has really opened my eyes to those who are going to be real friends. Real friends make an effort to KIT even after they write HAGS on your yearbook. Real friends make an effort to call even when they haven’t seen you in months or are across country. Real friends make an effort to chill even when they come back home for only short breaks. Real friends don’t only KIT on Facebook or twitter. Real friends make it a point to know your every dimension not just one side of you. And most importantly real friends listen when you need them too.
And since real friends seem to be an endangered species lately - I want to show appreciation to the ones I’ve got. And you should too. Its so easy to take for granted the many blessing we do have and forget that not everyone is so richly blessed. And having real friends is no simple matter – your friends help make, build, and define you.
