Sandpaper Friends

Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
     This past Friday, during the discussion at our monthly First Friday Fellowship gathering, I spoke of our need to have some ‘sandpaper and smart friends’ in our lives. Most of us cherish our friends, whether we have only one good buddy, a close circle or an entourage of ‘peeps’. We enjoy our interactions with them and for the most part – most friends get along well - mainly because it is said that ‘birds of a feather, flock together.’ Over the next two days I offer two simple bits of advice that I want to share with you my faithful readers. These truths are nothing new and you have probably heard them in some form or another; but they bear repeating.
     So today I offer the observance that we all need ‘sandpaper’ friends in our lives. Today’s scripture tells us that only two hard implements rubbing together can keep each other sharp. Many times we want to surround ourselves with people who we can totally get along with because it is just easier. The unfortunate part is that after a while they simply turn out to be “yes” men /women who never challenge us or help us to see or embrace new situations. They agree with us and we love their non-abrasive character. But these friends are like ‘cotton’ and no knife can have its edge sharpened by rubbing against cotton. Oh but do cherish those companions who just every so often get on your nerves – say or do things that make you crazy or set your teeth on edge. These are the people God often places in our path to keep us on the cutting edge of sharpness. These ‘sandpaper’ friends make sure that we do not get dulled by the monotony of ‘just getting along’. We need ‘sandpaper’ friends to rub us just the right way to knock the kinks off of our thinking, realign our emotions and subdue our egos. Thank God for the soft, get-along buddies who comfort us in times of need; but give God praise for our ‘sandpaper’ friends who keep us sharp and ready for use by God.
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! . Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn