Love and friendship

We’ve had a number of funerals at Good Shepherd lately, and we have another one this weekend. Death is a part of the journey, there’s no doubt about that, even still I find death, whether expected or unexpected, a difficult part of life. In the midst of all the funerals someone I am close to said, “When I die don’t let them put a list of all the committees I served on in my obituary. Just write, "She really tried to be a good friend.” That’s a person who knows what life is for. Life, for followers of Jesus, is for love, for loving friendships with God and all our neighbors. Life is for love and friendship.

So, this Advent season I have a challenge for myself and for you too if you want to take it up. Just befriend and love whatever and whoever is right in front of you. Let’s not worry too much about things we can’t control, including future things that haven’t happened yet and may not come to pass at all. This Advent we won’t worry about things that displease us. Life is too short to be displeased about anything, especially things we can’t control. One really effective way to be a good friend is to remember that everyone you know is dealing with something you don’t know about. We’ve all got burdens to bear, so give the people close to you the benefit of the doubt. Whatever they are upset about is not actually what they are upset about. If they are upset it’s because they feel a deficit of love in some way or another. So, we’ll try to love them as we’re able, and we’ll remember that God loves them beyond measure. If all you ever did in your whole life was try to be a good friend that would be enough and more than enough. Advent is for slowing down and loving what’s right in front of you. I pray that you enjoy a quiet, peaceful Advent. May we all be gathered up into the love-drenched friendship of God as it comes our way in Jesus.