It's 2am -- Crisis!!!

"A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends...." Job 6:14a(NIV) Lately, I have been going through a period of reflection. During this time, I poised the question to myself that my pastor asked the congregation last week -- Who are MY 2am friends? You know - those friends you can call at 2am no matter what and they will be there for you in a minute. As I went through my list of friends, I realized that my 2am list is pretty short -- really only about 3 folks and that is a with a real apologetic - "Sorry to bother you but...." I am sure several of my friends are saying "you better say you were thinking of me because you know I would be there in a heart beat." My problem is that I am one of those folks who absolutely abhors asking anyone for anything, especially help. This goes back to my previous post and the confessions of said control freak. I like to be the one who will be there at 2am but I don't expect anyone else to be there. I mean, I attempt to schedule my meltdowns between the hours of 9am and 10pm, 11pm on a rough night. As much I would like to say that is true -- it's not. In reality, I find that it is in the early morning hours that I wake to deal with whatever drama that is unfolding in my life. I guess it comes down to not just being a friend but letting others be a friend in return. If I don't ask then how will they know I need them? If I don't talk about my life and my problems with my friends, then how can they pray for me? If I don't share in the drama and the triumphs, won't they have a skewed view of me as a person. God put us on this earth to need one another. He said in Genesis that it is not good for man (or woman) to be alone.(Gen 2:18) After He had created the animals and all "things" that a person could need, He then saved the best for last. -- No, not merely woman, but a companion, a friend and someone to share in the joys and pitfalls. Boy, we could spend a long time talking about their particular journey but for the purposes of my rant -- it must have been nice not to have to go through all that alone. I am sure that if I asked and would put myself out there -- there would be more than 3 folks on my list that I could call at 2am. I realize that I need to make myself more vulnerable and not make everyone think my life is SOOO together because it is in no way, shape or fashion the case. I struggle just like most of you do. So, watch out -- you may be getting a call the next time I can't sleep at 2am. Dear Lord -- Please give me the courage to be transparent with my friends and ask for help versus trying to go it alone. I pray that you help me to be the kind of friend that others seek to be a companion, a source of comfort and a confidante for all of life's journeys. I thank you for my friends and pray a special blessing on each of them. In the name of Jesus - AMEN Application:

• Who are your 2am friends?
• If you don't have any or just a few -- why is your list not longer?
• If your list is long, are you a 2am friend to others?
• Pray for the Lord to open your heart to be more available and vulnerable to those around you.