friends and four-leaf clovers

Yesterday, I received a texted photograph. It was a beautiful scene of a large deck with a large stone fireplace adorning it. Firelogs filled the hearth, and more logs were neatly stacked alongside, ready to stoke the flames. I could smell the aroma and feel the spring air, though it was yet early in the day. Several Adirondack Chairs surrounded the fireplace. It was a peaceful scene where people would want to gather for a drink, great conversation, and maybe even a good cigar. I love a good cigar!

The photo had a caption. “My office today.”

My friend sent me this photo as we occasionally do. The scene captures a tiny slice of life – the good life. I live a good life, and my prosperous existence is due in good measure because I have numerous close friends.

They say you can’t pick your family, but you can choose your friends. I’ve gathered some outstanding ones along my trek through life. They are like four-leaf clovers that stand out among all of the other greenery I’ve passed.

According to one researcher, “Four-Leaf Clovers were Celtic charms, presumed to offer magical protection and ward off bad luck. Children in the Middle Ages believed if they carried a four-leaf clover, they would be able to see fairies, and the first literary reference to suggest their good fortune was made in 1620 by Sir John Melton.”

Though I’ve enjoyed many of these small four-leaved possessions, I don’t remember seeing any fairies. However, they have brought me much “magical” protection and more than ample good luck.

My dad loved four-leafed clovers. I was always amazed that he could stroll through our backyard, and in short order, return with a little green gift for me. The magical plant then ended up on my nightstand for several days. Dad was a good friend.

 Friends are like four-leaved clovers. Gather many of them through life, and you will be rewarded. Here’s why.

Friends make you secure. 

“Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s.” 

Proverbs 27:10

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”

Proverbs 17:17

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” 

Proverbs 18:24

Friends share your load.

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”

Proverbs 27:9

Friends show up.

“He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.” 

Acts 24:23

“When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite.” 

Job 2:11

 Friends make you better.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

Proverbs 27:17;

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”

Proverbs 27:6

Friends know when to keep quiet.

“Show me this loyalty as my sworn friend—for we made a solemn pact before the Lord—or kill me yourself if I have sinned against your father. But please don’t betray me to him!” 

1 Samuel 20:8 (David talking with his friend Jonathan)

Friends laugh with you.

“When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’” 

Luke 15:6

Jesus is an excellent friend.

“The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.”

Psalm 25:14

“I no longer call you slaves because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends since I have told you everything the Father told me.’  John15:15

“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” 

Romans 5:11

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:13

One of the most popular television shows of all time was aptly called “Friends.”  Millions watched the sitcom about the comical relationships of six twenty-something friends living in New York City. Over 51.1 million people viewed the finale. Now on Netflix, fans have spent 54.3 million, or 62,000 years, laughing at their hapless companions. Perhaps the popularity of this program alone reminds us of the value of close compadres. Gather many of these magical relationships, and you just might ward off a lot of bad luck.

How can you have a drawer full of these confidantes?  Simple, if you want to have a friend, be a friend. How about texting or calling one right now?