For many, they read born, died, survivors, and maybe a short work history. Short, impersonal, and just the facts, mam. They are an obituary, and for many, the last thing that we are remembered by. But not all have the endearing qualities of an entry in some almanac, some are personal, and you feel like you knew the person, even though you may have never met. When Jerry Titus, race car driver and journalist died, Bob Kovacik wrote a very touching eulogy to him. Almost 40 years later, I can still remember it, and one point still stands out in my mind. He wrote, "I know many people, but have very few friends."
And over the years it has become clearer to me how true that statement is. I have many accquatainces, but few friends. And as I get older, my friendship list grows shorter, and more valuable. That doesn't take away from the acquaintances I have, it only adds to the friendship I have with my friends. Years ago God told me that as I get closer to Him, that my peer group would get smaller. And it has, as when you grow in the Lord, there are many things you can't share with others-they just wouldn't get it. Not that you are smarter, or they are not as smart, we are all at different levels of maturity, and some just won't get it, at least for now. Look back ten years at your riding, and look at it now. You have ridden more, gone more places, and seen more things. You have grown more intimate with your riding, and it shows. Long trips are more interesting, while short ones hold no interest. Bikes that once were only dreamed of have come and gone, and you find the ad hype was better than the times you rode them. And to your friends, the ride was just as important as the destination. Even if they weren't along. Friends will defend you publicly, but discipline you in private. They are closer than words can define them, even when farther than a day's ride to see them. Details don't matter as much to them as does the fact of the relationship. And that is why I have few friends, but I am thankful for all the acquaintances I have, too.
The best example of friendship is written about three friends, one who is paralyzed, and have been friends for a long time. When they hear of this man Jesus who heals, they carry their friend on a cot to see Him. But sadly, the house is overrun with others. Where others would turn away, they decided not to let anything stand between them and Jesus, and the healing of their friend. Without regard for their own outcome, they cut a hole in the roof, and lower their friend to Jesus. With no regard for the consequences, their love for their friend is more important than any penalties they may incur. Sadly, little is said about these two men when the story is told, but to me they show the love of Christ personified. Jesus told us to keep His commandments to be his friends. Not the laws, or the 10 Commandments, His two simple laws-love God with all you have, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. And these men show that love. Two men walked in, one just dropped in, and three walked out. Friends.
You see they couldn't do everything, but they could do something. And what they were available to do, they did. They did what they could. And I would like to believe that the same Jesus who healed the lame, also restored the hole in the roof. Or better yet, left it as a testimony for others. Don't let anything stand between you and God!
I will continue to stand by my statement of having very few friends. And leave you with this thought. As great as it is to have friends, it is better to be one. As with all things, Jesus reminds us it better to give than receive.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com