The First Time

I have absolutely amazing friends.

You're probably one of them.

There are times when I look at myself and realize that I've been a really crummy friend, but then I look around and see that you're still here. Sometimes I don't appreciate you like I should, but that just once again proves what an awesome friend you are—that you would stay even in the tough weather. You remind me of Bono's "lover" in one my favorite lyrics:

Shows me colours when there's none to see
Gives me hope when I can't believe
That for the first time
I feel love

Or perhaps his "brother":

I spend my whole time running
He spends his running after me
When I feel myself going down
I just call and he comes around
But for the first time
I feel love

And I want to make this promise that you have so often fulfilled to me. I only pray that I can live up to it:

I will carry your cross
I will go the extra mile
Hold you in my arms like a mother's only child
I will finish your race
I will second your fight
Though I'm here by your side not everything's alright

Still I will carry your cross

I promise you that the going will get tough
But I promise you you'll always have my love
...
I will carry your cross

I look back on those words and they seem superhuman. Jesus sang this song to me. You have followed in His steps and have sung the same. God, please help me to be even half the friend that these have been to me.