I have a number of people who are my friends, but, I can count on one hand the number of people that I trust my personal information with. Those friends are of the highest quality, the ones that stand with me through thick and thin, those who know what commitment to one another means. They are friends that I can call on day or night. Most people live their lives trying to be popular and having a lot of people around them. They assume that happiness is found in numbers, but, when crunch time comes they find that most of the crowd walks away. In reality, you only have very few “close friends.” How many do you share your most intimate thoughts with? How many do you call on when you must have help? How many can you count on in crunch time. Good relationships don’t happen by accident. They take cultivation, work, and a lot of time. That requires commitment! We have to put in the effort and sacrifice to develop friendships that matter. (Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.) Did you know that your socializing can keep you from having deep relationships? You can be so busy networking, contacting, socializing, and making acquaintances that you never give the time and energy and effort it takes to cultivate the deep, satisfying, and healthy relationships. You never experience the happiness, and joy of having a quality friend. Trying to be the most popular person can keep you from meaningful relationships. Facebook and Instagram friends may not be there in your difficult moments, but, a close friend will. Find that “golden egg” today. Work on that relationship. It will pay great dividends in life. Pastor Don