Anyone can stand by you when you are right...

but a real friend stands by you when you're wrong.

A simple friend identifies himself when he calls...

a real friend doesn't have to.

A simple friend opens a conversation with a

full news bulletin on his life...

a real friend says "Whats new with you?"

A simple friend thinks the problems you whine about are new...

A real friend says

"You've whined about the same thing for years,

get off your duff and do something about it!!

A simple friend had never seen you cry...

a real friend has soggy shoulders from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents first names...

a real friend has their number in his address book.

A simple friend brings themselves to your party...

a real friend comes early to help cook,

and stays late to help clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed...

a real friend asks why you took so long to call?

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems...

a real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your dirty laundry...

a real friend could black mail you with it,

but of course would not!!

A simple friend acts like a guest when visiting...

a real friend helps himself.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over after you have an argument...

a real friend knows it is not a friendship till you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to be there for them...

a real friend expects to always be there for you!!

_________________________________________________

My personal journey has not been as long as many
My personal road has not been as bumpy either

But as Jesus looked into Peters eyes the night before he died
My Jesus really knew who His friends were

My casual friends always believed in the bad news.
My real friends have always said I believe in you

My casual friends always talk about how far I have to go
My real friends rejoice at how far I have come.

My casual friends have to ask how I am
My real friends can see it across the room.

My heart weeps when I think of the words
"I no longer call you servant, but friend.. Because a friend knows"

My real friend has forgiven me when I cursed him
My real friend has asked me if I loved him after I deserted Him
My real friend took a beating for me after I betrayed Him.
My real friend treats me like a friend
My real friend treats me like I have never hurt him
My real friend delights to see me come in the room
My real friend loves to hear my jokes even when he knows them
My real friend forgets anything I have ever done to hurt him
My real friend treats me just as if I never have..

You see I know how I have hurt Him
But He still calls me friend


And one day I will be there.
Oh I know they say there will be no tears in heaven.

But my tears will flow as I see my real friend
My heart will be pounding to hear him say
Well done my friend you are home to stay.


I pray I can do something today
oh just anything to hear Him say
my friend you made me smile today