There are some friendships that feel "good" because they spread smoothly and unobtrusively into the "Friends" cubby hole, and there are other friendships that are "good" because they simply will not stay inside that box. They don't spread like silky frosting on one corner of the cake, instead they spread like melted chocolate, blazing trails that know no boundaries. They overflow into your "personal space", they find their way into your grocery list, your morning alarm, and convictions from the Spirit. They are not "good" because they are easy, for although they are full of moments of enjoyment, they are in many ways good because they are hard. 

I am talking about the good friendships that press in and press hard. I am talking about the good friendships that leave a mark. I am talking about the good friendships that make sparks as iron meets iron and both come out the sharper for it.

God has been growing a vision for what a generous spirit looks like in me, and my response has been Oh Lord, make me generous. But then the cost becomes flesh and blood, becomes real sacrifices of what I call mine. I cannot be generous with my time, resources, emotions, and attention and lock it all up. This prayer has made me realize that I need to pray for a change of heart. I am a penny hoarder, enjoying their company as I count each one dear to myself alone. One of my excuses in the past has been that my treasure to give is not silver and gold. But that doesn't seem to bother Him. If I had more, I don't doubt that it would be even more difficult to give away.



“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21