I meet with a group of other men each week.  While enjoying our morning coffee, we discuss scripture, family, work, and anything else life has brought to our attention that week.  Last time we met, the topic of fellowship was brought up.  I don’t mean fellowship as in, eating a casserole with some people you see for an hour each Sunday.  We were talking about real fellowship.  The kind where two people share an empathetic bond.  David and Jonathan kind of fellowship.

Everyone needs this.  Someone who celebrates your successes with the same enthusiasm as you do.  Someone who feels the pain of your struggles and can help pull you through.  My mind began to wander durning this conversation as I thought of a quote by a friend of mine who once said “The older I get, I realize I have many more acquaintances and less true friends”.  I began to take inventory of my own relationships.  I’ve met many people and my wife can attest to the instances of rarely going someplace in public when we don’t meet someone who I know from someplace else.  I have a vast network of contacts, a small pool of true friends.  By true friends, I mean someone who I could call when in need, that would set aside their plans to aide me even at their own inconvenience.  But, what about true fellowship?

I was quick to realize the blessing I have of two people with whom I share true fellowship.  I’ve been blessed with many siblings, two of which I share that special bond.  Frank and Rusty are the two guys in this world that I feel the freedom to share anything with and receive only wisdom and encouragement in return.  Free from judgement or ridicule.  Oh, they’ll set me strait, but out of love, not distain.  I truly feel they celebrate with me and are joyous when I’m experiencing some sort of success in my life.  I can count on them for a partner through battle or for a hug in sorrow.  I also feel them hurt when I’m battling some struggle.  I too gain great joy from their accomplishments & morn their hardship.  With them to turn to, I have true fellowship and am truly blessed.

Thanks guys.  Love ya.