Friends are like ice cream

As the weather warms up, I begin to long for ice cream.  Truth be told, ice cream is my favorite food on the planet. It comes in more varieties than one would ever imagine. In fact, some countries sell ice-cream that is so spicy that very few can tolerate the heat. Today as I thought of ice cream it made me think of friendships. Sure, ice cream is great to share with your friends but there is more to this thought.

Some ice creams are seasonal, like the candy cane ice cream my Nana served each Christmas. It's great while it lasts but it disappears just as suddenly as I came. Some ice creams
are of poor quality. They lack that true creamy texture that makes it so good. There is nothing appetizing about gritty ice cream. Sometimes you look at the ingredients and realize that while it looks good, it's really fake. Some ice cream just doesn't leave a good taste in your mouth. I once bought a box of ice cream that tasted freezer burned and old.

In the same way, not all friendships are alike. Some friends are seasonal, disappearing just as quickly as they came. Some friends look good but leave a bitter after taste. Some friends aren't all they claim to be. They lack the character that makes them tried and true. And other friends are just poor quality. They don't really care about you, they just like the perks of knowing you or getting what you have to offer.

Over the years I have experienced all of these kinds of friendships. I have friends who may not be in the same city but would jump on a ferry or plane in moments nice if I needed them. They have stood the test of time, shown true character and depth.  I also have had my share of hurtful friends. Those who use, or abuse the friendship for their gain. But, if I need a friend they are nowhere to be found.

So the thought arose, what kind of friend am I?   I'm not the fancy friend like the espresso flake ice cream,  that looks perfect on the outside but is really a flaky friend. I am not like Oreo that just crumbles when tough times come. I want to become a person of good character. I have a long ways to go. I need to learn to deal with hurts and not attract the wrong kind of person in my life.

I'm not a seasonal friend. In fact, I ache fiercely at the loss of any friendship.   I'm not a fancy friend either. I keep things simple. I care, I listen, I pray, I am loyal. So if I were an ice cream flavor I'd probably be one of the three most basic flavors, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry., tried and true.

My prayer is the God will help me to be a good friend to all he puts in my path, that I will encourage others, be steady, faithful, tried and true.