Friendly Call

OK, maybe I was a little harsh in my generalization of doctors yesterday. They aren't ALL morons. I apologize to the good doctors and there are plenty.

Tonight I received a phone call from my friend Neil. We've known each other since the first day we stepped into Sardis Elementary. Not many people can say they've kept in touch with a friend for nearly 20 years.

I didn't get to the phone when he first called and I felt horrible again today. The last thing I feel like doing when I am sick is talking on the phone. It just so happens that I was leafing through one of my leadership books and highlighting certain passages for future use when I came upon the "Seven Things to Do" that was given to John Wooden by his father.

No. 6 on that list is "Don't take friendship for granted. Study friendship and make it a fine art."

At that point I realized that I am not a very good friend. But like everything in life, I don't believe this was a coincidence. Stumbling upon that phrase was a reminder from God that friendship isn't about making phone calls only when I feel well. So often I get lost in a meaningless and pointless daily routine that it becomes uncomfortable and inconvenient to break away from the habits. But as No. 6 on the list says, friendship is not a given. I've been fortunate enough to know someone for 20 years and by not returning a phone call, I would certainly be showing no appreciation for the relationship.

I'm glad Neil called. We both contribute to thebuckeyebunch.com and it feels like I talk to him more often than I really do simply because I read the articles he's written. It's nice to feel connected on that level, but it is no substitute for an actual conversation. Neil is as good a guy as you can meet. No one ever wants to listen to a fellow talk about his medical problems, but he allowed me to vent and said that he would pray for me. Being frustrated with my health, no better friend can be found than one that will listen and pray.

Now that's something that I should highlight for future use.