“I’m the songwriter and you are the artist who sings the song and adds color to it” ~ Leo Juarez

This is easily now my favorite quote – not just because it is pure poetry; but also because my friend wrote the words about our friendship and the way God uses us together to create something beautiful. This friend inspires me. In talking about our faith, or about life – or sometimes about nothing of any substance at all – he finds words that take me deeper into my knowledge of the majestic God we serve and love. I know our friendship is Christ centered and God orchestrated. It’s our amazing God who gives him the song – and our amazing God that helps me color it. Our amazing God is the common thread that takes our ordinary to extraordinary in the togetherness He created.

And as I have been writing this beautiful picture in my heart and mind – I realize just how great the ultimate artist is in bringing the perfect people in our lives. There are a lot of people around me every day, but only a handful I would call me core. They are God designed partnerships. They are not perfect people, but perfectly placed in my life for His plans. They are people who are not just around – they are part of who I am and who I am becoming; people whose words, actions, and lives impact my life. Together we mix and become something so much greater than individuals.

I look at the world around me and realize that this isn’t a unique concept, it is Gods MO. Colors mix together to create new and vibrant colors. Oxygen and hydrogen mix to create life sustaining water. Sun and rain mix together to create the lasting symbol of God’s promise – the rainbow. Chocolate chips and cookie dough mix together to create gooey, chocolaty happiness. Sparks and wood mix together to make a warm campfire – from which toasted marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers mix together to create a campers dream – smores! Coffee grounds and hot water mix together to create heaven on earth… at least in my world!

Many things in this world mix together to create something exponentially better than the individual parts are by themselves. And these God friendships are very much the same – I am exponentially better because of and with these friends. It has always been God’s plan. After all, God Himself is not alone – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with their own role in the partnership.

2 Corinthians 13:14 “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

He models what working with, fellowshipping with, fully entering into God ordained friendships and partnerships can bring into your world. In God’s word, He guides us to embrace His community in our lives.

Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the day coming.”

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Romans 1:11-12 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

I love the friends God has brought into my life. Not just my friend who writes these songs I get to color with my pen; friends who each bring something different to my life, my faith and my growth. I have a friend who – certainly without knowing it – challenges me to see the people and the world around me in a completely different way. Every conversation I have with this friend surprises me. Each time I get to see the world around me through the different lens so natural to him, I am surprised.  In that surprise I realize how often I assume that what I see is the real picture when there is really something totally different I need to be open to; to get to know.

I have a friend who has a heart for people, especially for those most in need… for the least of these, the lost and forgotten. It is so much his heart that it is the work he is preparing for in life. Even in his extreme busy-ness, if I reach out to him in need he drops the ten million things I am certain he is doing and makes sure I am cared for until I am no longer in need. He checks in regularly. He often makes me feel like he has nothing else going on in his life even though I know that is not the case. From him I am learning what caring for other people the way God calls us to really looks like.

I have friends who have a huge passion and drive to learn, grow and share this faith we walk together. Times with them make me want to grow more deeply rooted to Christ. I love all these friends for so many reasons – and I am glad that I have been able to let God’s light shine through what we bring to the world together – so much more than any one of us alone.

“I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for a handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it; friends make life a lot more fun.” ~ Charles Swindall

The people in my life challenge me to be better. But you have to be careful because the wrong people feeding into your life can have the opposite effect.

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character.”

Proverbs 24:24-25 “Do not make friends with a hot tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”

I speak that from experience. When I was surrounded by people who were not walking a life of faith, I was easily drawn into actions and behaviors, relationships and situations that I should never have been in. I lived a life dictated by the world and paid a heavy price. See… good or bad, the people you surround yourself with impact your life. The words they speak into and over your life are the voices that echo in your head. Be careful with the voices you let in. Ask God – He will surround you with people who will help your eyes, mind and heart seek Him.

Because really…

He is the best friend you could ever have. He is really the only friend that you really need.

Proverbs 18:34 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

As long as you are anchored to the best friend, you can rise to and conquer any trial, challenge, task and hurt that may come your way. Even hurt at the hands of those very friends you have let into your inner circle. Because no matter how great your friends are – they are still people… imperfect people. And imperfect people will sometimes fail us. But God never does.

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord Himself goes before you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous – do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

I thank God that He is truly all I need and that He will never leave or forsake me. And that He has surrounded me with people who desire Him as much as I do, and who each bring a unique and beautiful gift and perspective into my life.

Ask God.

He will give you the song writers for your life. Then all you have to do is lean in, open your eyes and your heart.

And color the song.

“A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same”  ~ Elbert Hubbard