Three Friends

“Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them privately up a high mountain.” (Matthew 17:1)

“Mom, he’s got 21 subscribers! And he just started his channel a week ago!” Jeremy exclaimed. His tone of voice told me that he was not thrilled about his YouTube “competition.” From spying on the kids, I discovered a virtual world where users strive to look popular on the internet by having more subscribers. Jeremy had strangers commenting on his channel in exchange for his “likes” or even better, a +1 to their subscriber count. I am proud of my son for he refuses to grow his subscriber base the dishonorable way. Hence his subscriber count remains steady at 15, made up of mostly cousins, a gentle giant named Yin…my husband and I.

Sometimes, We live an insane life of trying to appeal to people we barely know. Isn’t that absurd?

Jesus took three disciples, Peter, James and John, up a mountain for a very special encounter. Moses also brought three companions with him when he ascended Mt. Sinai – Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu.

Perhaps we only need three true friends who will be with us through thick and thin. Of all the people we come across in our life, while some may linger longer than others, most are just passing through.

Think of a time when you were at your worst – who was by your side holding your hand? Or when you were at your best – who was on the sideline cheering for you? And on those days of humdrum, who would come out at a minute’s notice just to have coffee with you? Those are the friends to keep. Yet oftentimes we take these amazing people for granted. As I was contemplating these things recently, I made up my mind to invest my best years in a few friends.

Two weeks ago, I was an emotional wreck. Heavily preoccupied, I mindlessly browsed the internet at the end of a very long day. Then my older daughter Victoria walked in and dropped off a note. It read:

“Mommy! Are you having a good day? I hope so! I don’t know why I’m writing this, but I wanna give you a letter! So I just want you to know that you should be happy!!! Have a GREAT DAY!”

Fifteen minutes later, I received another note:

“Hello (again) Mama! I don’t know why I keep writing these, but they’re fun to make! I love you!!! Lovey, Victoria”

My eyes moistened. I already have a fan who is deeply devoted to me, and I never had to win her love.

God has a way of getting our attention when we are down and out simply because we refuse to see the treasure that is right under our noses.

If you already have three friends that are loyal and dedicated to you, the search is over. Love them back with every fiber of your being. If you don’t have three such friends, start today and be a friend, a true friend. It’s never too late.