Friend: a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.

As we begin this Finish Friday, I encourage you to think about your circle or circles of friends. Who is helping you keep warm? Who is making you stronger? Last night I had the pleasure of having dinner with and then seeing the play “Steel Magnolias” with dear friends. As I sat side by side with friends I consider family, I praised God for the blessing of our friendship. Although I am tired this morning from our late night, I am strengthened from the blessing and grateful to recognize how quick things can change.

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
‭‭James‬ ‭4:13-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today as you finish this week, consider your friends who strengthen you and give thanks. Be sure to tell them and show them how valuable their friendship is to you. If they fall down, pick them up and keep them warm!