Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday October 16, 2006

I spend a lot of time thanking the Lord for my friends, especially those of many years standing, those who have proved that "a friend loveth at all times" as the good book teaches.

Often when officiating at weddings some one will sing "Friends Are Friends Forever" and I find myself fighting back a chuckle for it is not all that unusual for some type of argument or fist fight to break out during the proceedings at the church or reception. Fifty two percent of the Bride and Grooms do not remain friends forever, so I will put on my Andy Rooney cap and demand the song be banned! Well, at least as a wedding song.

Joyce, the wife of my youth, has a way of trying to place pictures of her friends in 'good light.' I never paid much attention to this trait but the other day I discovered a recommended principle on this. Jennie Churchill said:

"Treat your friends as you do your pictures and place them in their best light."

Without being able to put this principle into words, I know I have been the beneficiary of good friends who have made a practice of "placing Larry in a good light." I am the better for this practice. My enemies of whom there are legions, go around the world to cast a dark light on all that I do or even think of doing, so why should my true friends join up with them?

If the enemies of one of my friends are maligning him or her, why should I join in with the despisers of my friend?

Space does not permit, but each person who would seek the high title of friend in its truest meaning should read James Whitcomb Riley’s grand poem, "FRIENDS." The gist of this poem is simply, "Let something good be said." The first stanza of the poem reads:

"Let something good be said,
When over the fair fame of friend or foe
The shadow of disgrace shall fall;
Instead of words of blame, or proof of so and so
Let something good be said."

I will send a copy of the entire poem if you would like.

Finding ways to place a painting or picture in its best light takes time and skill and a love for beauty. The same is true in cultivating lasting friendships. Love for the beauty of a person is essential, and then the time to find the best light and just about every situation a friend can fall or even jump into can be exposed to God's best light for them.

We are often horrified by some glaring flaw that comes to light in one of our friends. If you must hang your friend, do it in the best light for them.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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