my Friend

It's been on my heart to share with you how I met my Friend, Jesus.  We moved to Colorado from Iowa during the summer that I turned 9.  I was a very lonely kid.  I had left behind my extended family and the only friends I had ever known.  I was shy and awkward, but even then, relationships were my priority.  I remember walking on the playground at school during recess by myself and wondering if I would ever have friends again.

My parents were already Christians, and they found a non-denominational Bible teaching church for us to attend.  I am eternally grateful for the Sunday school teachers that I had during that year of 4th grade.  Each week, they would give us the opportunity to ask Jesus into our hearts.  I was hungry for love and acceptance and relationship, and one Sunday, I responded.  Best decision of my life!

I don't remember exactly the words that I prayed.  Probably something like, "Jesus, please forgive my sin and come to live in my heart."  Simple, but that is all it takes.  God knew the true cry of my heart was "Jesus, I need a friend.  Will you be that friend forever?"

I'm still a relationship person.  God wove that into the fabric of me from the beginning of time.  Even now, almost 40 years later, I find myself feeling insecure in relationships.  Those times especially are the times that I need to turn my eyes to Jesus, my Forever Friend.  The Friend who loves me unconditionally and never lets me down.  The Friend who gave His human life out of love for me (and you)!

If you are looking for a friend like Jesus, just ask Him.  I promise He will be there.  And He will be your friend forever too!