An Open Thank You to My Friends

 

Iron sharpens iron,

so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

In friendships, I am uncommonly blessed.

Beyond deserving, this.

A rich spread of companions, 

a feast to feed my soul.

There are "friends" who destroy each other,

but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 19:24

Who would I be without all of you?

A flattened out version of a self, 

un-nourished by your love,

your belief in me,

your different-than-me opinions,

your passions and perspectives.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:6

Would I even be the me that I have become?

...Am becoming?

You contribute to my soul,

my heart,

my mind,

in ways I cannot appropriately measure

let alone thank you for.

Whoever covers an offense seeks love,

but he who repeats a mater separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:9

All of you.

Each of you.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

and the sweetness of a friend 

comes from his earnest counsel.

Proverbs 27:9

The for-a-long-time ones.

The for-a-season ones.

The brand new ones.

All of you.

Each of you.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 13:20

So rich is my life.

So filled out and robust.

So abundant, as promised.

And for no particular reason today,

I am reminded.

I do not take any one of you for granted.

And that's the truth.

I thank my God every times I remember you.

In all my prayers for all you, I always pray with joy.

Philippians 1:3-4