Would you agree with me if I said there are different kinds of friends?

You probably have lots of friends (with a little “f”): These are your acquaintances… The people you see on a semi-regular basis.  You smile and wave at each other, and maybe even carry on a brief conversation containing lots of small talk.  But that’s as far as your friendship goes.

Your circle of Friends (with a big “f”) is probably a smidge smaller.  These are the people you probably hang out with a lot.  You do life with them, but most of the time, it’s the “I showered, put on make-up, and cleaned my house before you came over” kind of Friendship.  Because, let’s face it… when the going gets tough, or there’s too much dog hair on your sofa, or you haven’t purchased whatever expensive party plan merchandise they’re selling this month, this Friend may not stick around too long.

But you can consider yourself extremely blessed if you have FRIENDS… even just one.  These people start out as acquaintances, but quickly move through the ranks until they know you almost better than you know yourself. They’ve been up close and personal with every skeleton in your closet… And they love you anyway.  And no matter how long it’s been since you last communicated, or how many miles separate you, you’re always thinking of each other. And the next time you chat, it’s like no time has passed.  You’ve given each other permission to co-parent your children, harp on your husbands, and call you out (lovingly, of course) when you’re being ridiculous.  Some may call these people “besties” or “BFFs” but these terms just don’t cut it for me.

I have a small, precious handful of FRIENDS in my life.  To say that I’m grateful for them is a gross understatement.  My life would be bleek and boring without these special women.

I’ve tried to get away without writing this post for weeks.  Because you know how it is… someone posts a FB status update about their “best friend” and another person who thought they were the best friend gets their feelings hurt, and all of a sudden life looks more like an episode of “Jersey Shore” than it should.  This post isn’t meant to create competition, play favorites, or disappoint.

I simply want to share my gratitude for my FRIENDS and encourage you to do the same.  Pray for them, send them a hand-written note, or a little gift.  Make an appointment to chat on the phone if it’s been a while since you last talked.  Get beyond the surface, and be sure that you’re loving on them as much as you can.  Make the effort to maintain your FRIENDship… it’s something you’ll never regret.

Just sayin’…  😉