A friend of mine gave me this knife for a Christmas present about 12 years ago. Funny how time flies by so fast. Back then we were busy taking our children to ballgames, school events, birthday parties, activities, on and on. Seems like my friend and I saw each other on a weekly basis, if not daily. I have fond memories of coaching city league baseball, gathering the families together just to eat pizza or a hamburger, even taking Scout trips to some place in the woods, (while wearing headphones so we could listening to Miss State football). We would get our families together and share a time for Christmas. That’s how I got this knife.
Funny, how over time we hardly see each other now. Our children are grown. Our paths in life don’t cross as much nowadays. We see each other at life events; a wedding, a funeral of a family member, or an occasional chance meeting at a local store. Is there a friendship still in existence between us? I say “yes, there is!” But, just like the knife he gave me, it needs to be continuously sharpened. Having friends requires a “sacrifice” of our time. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased. Hebrews13:16
So, my old friend, let’s start a new “sharpened” friendship. We may not meet at the ball field every night like we use to. Now, it may be around a campfire talking about past adventures, and planning new adventures. Our sharpened friendship may now consist of just staying in touch more often. Since I’m realizing that this spiritual journey is not a “God and me”, but a “God and we” adventure, it makes me realize that God himself puts people in my life to help me and sustain me. How do they do this? Just by being my friend!
What about you? Are there friendships that you have that need to be sharpened! Without a doubt, the devil and his forces do whatever is necessary to break up our friendships. Through misunderstandings, lack of time, disagreements, just people being people, our friendships that God Himself brought into our lives may get “dulled and unworkable” Ever tried to use a dull knife? Ever tried to keep a “dulled, tedious friendship”?
Don’t wait on your friend. You do the sharpening on your friendship. For with such “sacrifices”, God is pleased.
