Friendship. I’ve mentioned the statement I heard years ago that if you die having ten good friends that you’ve led a full life. I’m still working on the “10” number, but I’ve managed to fill a couple of the spots. Though I still have a ways to go to complete the full compliment of true friends, the spots I have filled have enriched my life beyond words.

Yesterday was one of those days when the words of the writer of Ecclesiastes hit the proverbial nail on the head:

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.    (4:9-12)

It really doesn’t matter how tough things may be, the friend who backs up to you, sword drawn, ready to take on any and all, makes even the worst situation endurable.

These friendships are costly — you have to give yourself totally — but that is what makes them priceless.