There are some things in life that are pure gifts. They are lavish blessings. There are more of these in my life than I often realize, so many that I take for granted.
Here’s one that I’m not taking for granted: it’s my best friend, Lynette. And yesterday was her birthday.
Over 20 years ago, on a swing set in my yard, not too long after I’d first met Lynette, she asked me if I’d be her best friend. At 9 years old, I was taken aback. What on earth does that mean? Yet, I didn’t hesitate, “Yes.”
I’ve spent many years since then discovering what it means to be Lynette’s best friend. Here is some of what I’ve unearthed:
-It means uncontrollable laughter at the most inconvenient times.
-It means going through every stage of awkwardness with someone who’s oblivious to awkwardness.
-It means being willing to check her shoes and socks for spiders.
-It means a million adventures to unknown places and silly car games and airplane rides.
-It means being the oldest, but the shortest.
-It means getting to go everywhere with someone who’s determined to make everything wonderful.
-It means having someone who’s willing to receive difficult counsel and willing to give it.
-It means uncovering treasures beyond our fathoming in the Word of God, and sharing each new gem with delight together.
-It means feeling a deep resonance with David and Jonathan and being certain that it was God and God alone who could establish such a friendship.
-It means having the most loyal and devoted person pray for me.
-It means learning a thousand things about godliness and faithfulness through the experiences that she’s borne and allowed me to walk through with her.
-It means having a friend who doesn’t compete with other friendships. The presence of her secure friendship enhances every other friendship I have. I’m sure I wouldn’t have many friends at all had I not learned how to be a friend with Lynette. Other friendships are deeper and richer because of this one.
-It means having a friend who makes my burdens her own. She bears them fully. And she makes my delights hers too.
There is so much more I could write.
All I know is when God gave me Lynette for a friend, He was being lavish in a way that I could not then understand. I’m sure I still don’t. But, I know enough to know that I love Jesus and God’s Word more for having such a friend. What greater thing could a friend do than to point me faithfully to Christ and His Word and allow me to do the same for her.
Happy Birthday Lynette. Here’s to 20 more years of friendship.
