Portrait

"Affection 'does not expect too much,' turns a blind eye to faults, revives easily after quarrels; just so charity suffers long and is kind and forgives. Affection opens our eyes to goodness we could not have seen, or should not have appreciated without it."

- C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

This is my brother. A man. A friend. I became great friends with this guy in a really rocky part of my life. It's been a solid couple of years where I've been known and have someone in my camp who wants my best. So here are some pictures of his face. He's the dude: you can find him on Instagram here. 

"The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy to the believer."

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together

There are times in our lives when we struggle with self doubt. We fail, we fall flat on our face, and we begin to listen to the internal dialogue warring over our self worth.  Friends are with us. That ride or die, eyes forward excitement in two likeminded people cannot be replaced. We grow in consistency, in vulnerability, in empathy.  We need people. We need road trip buds and laugh till you cry people. We need the arm around your shoulder person and the hand you a shovel guy. Friends are the sounding board to your crazy thoughts and brilliant ideas. We are not meant to live this life alone.

"Don't give up, don't quit on me. Don't give up, don't you quit on me."

- Penny and Sparrow, Brothers

I've found it's the people who will call you out on your shit who really give a damn. And those are the ones you're going to fight for when their own rug has been pulled out from underneath them. 

A couple months ago I was frustrated with decision making and did not want to be a friend to anyone, least of all to myself. But friends are going to come find you in the hard places and drag you out, one step, one gentle conversation, one bold statement at a time. I found myself in a German bathroom with the words, "William, you are worthwhile and I just want more for you," ringing in my ear. It's both a wake up call and a mantra.

And let me tell you, friends, those words ring true. You are worthwhile and there is so much out there for you. Walk alongside your people for all of the moments; big and small.

So this one's for the friends. Grab a glass, raise it up, share a moment, and say, "thanks." 'Cause that's what I'm doing. Thanks brother, thanks my friend.