The Power of Friendship

If we are asked the complete this phrase: the power of _____, we would probably insert the word love. Indeed, there is no other like the power of love. Yet, I am witness to friendships, many - well, not many, but I have friends, and long, long friendships. Friendships that have lasted longer than my marriage, longer than anywhere I have lived. There is a strength and beauty to friendship, and there is a power to friendship, just like there is a power to love. And yes, friendship is a type of love, so we aren't talking apple and oranges here. I'm not trying to reproduce Aristotle, just noticing things.

On Sunday at the blessing, the immediate and powerful blessing was to be in the presence of friends, as I said, that have known me forever and love me anyway. The intent of this type of friendship is living witness to God's love in the world. We share acceptance, laughs, understanding, good will, and intention. When these friends lay hands on me for the anointing it was powerful. As friends, they stand with me and I with them. We choose each other, and wish well for each other.

I am immensely grateful for my friends. As I think, I can list in my mind, a number of people with whom I share friendship. I love my friends. And if the power of love is unstoppable, the power of friendship is a turbo boost to love. Laughter, kindness, sharp wit, quirkiness, compassion, intelligence, and a levity in taking oneself seriously are the common denominators in my friends. From the Philippines, to Portland, Joliet, to St. Paul, McLean, Camino, Cameron Park, and all points in the greater Bay Area, my friends are there. A bit of me is in them, and a bit of them is in me. For that, I am fortified, and very, very grateful.