Thanksgiving is near. Without invitation, the anticipation of favorite foods floats through our minds. The expectation of reuniting with family and friends stirs eagerness to see those dear to us (and maybe a little hesitation about being with those not so dear). The last two posts reminisced about family, but friendships are also important.

We all need people who will laugh with us, listen to us, and encourage us—friends who know us well and love us, those who don’t judge or criticize us. It’s great to pull up old memories and also to share future hopes. The featured picture illustrates this; during our son’s recent visit, several of Corey’s friends showed up to celebrate his 50^th.

Proverbs 27:17 explains the value of a trusted friend:
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

I hope you have a friend like that, one who will speak into your life honestly and help you be the best you, you can be. Someone who wants the most for you and encourages you to grow.

I hope you are a friend like that.

Let’s always be on the watch for someone who needs us to be a friend, to lift them up and lovingly get in their business and root for them. We all need a cheerleader in our lives, and we all need to be a cheerleader for someone else.

Which brings up a question: Who might appreciate an invitation to your Thanksgiving dinner this year? Or at least an offer to meet for coffee sometime?

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