Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 1 Samuel 18:3

Like David, the Lord has blessed me with a good, close friend. Maybe you can say the same.

Sure, most of us have a whole bunch of acquaintances, but we are truly blessed if we have been allowed to meet a select few who can be trusted with our secrets, can be relied upon in every situation, and who have been there in the past and will be in the future.

Since friends are such an obvious gift from the Lord, I'm amazed to hear that some school systems in Great Britain are discouraging their students from having a "best" friend. Instead of establishing deep relationships, the students are being encouraged to limit their play to large groups.

That's the story according to educational psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni. Indeed, she said the idea doesn't come from the teachers, but that it's school policy. She also shares the reason the schools are proceeding this way. It appears "they want to save the child the pain of splitting up from their best friend."

Russell Hobby, of the National Association of Head Teachers, commented: "I don't think it is widespread, but it is clearly happening. It seems bizarre."

Yep. Bizarre is the right word. Imagine all the things you would never have done if you were just trying to avoid mishap, danger or hurt. We would never have taken our first steps, ridden a bike, gotten behind the wheel of a car, risked falling in love. The list is limitless.

But back to having best friends.

It occurs to me that Christians all have a "best" Friend in Jesus. Even more, He is a Friend who will never leave us nor forsake us. He is a Friend who will watch over us and listen to us no matter what we have to say. He is a Friend who loves being in our company and who makes life a wonderful and blessed experience.

Yes, I know the devil, the world and our flesh sometimes tell us it's not good for us to trust Jesus so very much, but what's a person to do?

How can you not love and not want to be with Someone who sacrificed His life, so you would have eternal life in His Father's house?

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for earthly friends I am thankful. Bless and be with them. Most of all I praise You for Jesus who has shown me what true friendship, love and devotion are. May I long to grow ever closer to Him. In His Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Joshua 10-12    Luke 10:1-24

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