Why Friends Matter.
I have moved across the country, worked as an admissions counselor for Oklahoma Christian University, and had to travel two hours a week for a master's program. Trickled between those were miles collected on the road between friends’ homes and countless trips to Home Depot in the middle of a home renovation.
I’ve traveled many miles and, in the process, missed many turns.
Sometimes, it was an exit on a turnpike that took us twenty-seven miles off our path, while other times, it was me leaving my phone on the kitchen counter that also had my shopping list on it.
Here is the fun thing to think about: despite all the wrong turns I’ve made, every single one turned out all right.
Even if I was late or wasted unnecessary time, I always got to where I needed to be and usually had someone with me along for the ride.
I had my wife dropping pins at our next restaurant, or my kid’s in the backseat picking out our next song. I had roommates telling stories about their now ex-girlfriends or a backseat driver helping me find my way. They always drive me nuts, but they are often right.
I’m glad about that.
As I continue to study with people who know little about Jesus, I often use this to explain what faith looks like. God doesn’t give us detailed maps to follow; he gives us people to go with. There are a lot of directions: job opportunities, little moments raising our kids, and how we spend our time.
Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. John 1:38-39
God is less concerned about the direction and more about what you become.
Here is the thing: the people we surround our lives with will often determine the shape of our lives more than we will. Others always remind me who I am, where my value is determined, and when I’ve gotten off track.
Whether you are anxious about your upcoming plans or a looming decision that needs to be made, call up a friend and go for a drive.
No matter where you end up, you’ll have a friend who can accompany you.