The only metric that counts

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”
~ 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫

One of the gifts of friendships that endure is the quiet knowing that whatever comes, we have likely already faced it, in some form or fashion.

For over twenty years, through extended seasons of grief, loss, and pain, we have braved the darkness together, my Kelly and I.

The journey, occasionally perilous and often fraught with obstacles, only made the celebrations that followed all the sweeter.

We both know grief in ways we wish we did not, but even that has expanded our perspective, for it is only the ones who have known heartache intimately who understand the depth of joy it gives way to.

Tonight was a chance for us to cast off the sackcloth and the burdens for a bit. Tonight we chose simply to be present, to bask in the beauty of each other’s company, to dream out loud about the future, and to celebrate the joy that somehow always manages to find its way back in.

Many measure their lives by what is earned, achieved, or accumulated. I measure mine differently. Not by what can be calculated or tabulated, but only by what can be enjoyed.

I measure my portfolio by the heart-knit friends money cannot buy:
the ones who know your story before you tell it.
the ones who will never fight with you, but will always fight for you.
the ones who know your heart by heart.
the ones who stuck around long enough to remember, and remained faithful enough to remain.

According to the only ledger that really counts, the bottom line, for me, is this:

I am not wealthy, but I am rich.

I am rich in friends, and my life is fuller because of it.

Tolkien once described a windfall like mine this way:

“You can trust us to stick with you through thick and thin—to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours—closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo.”
~ 𝐉.𝐑.𝐑. 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐧

Rich, indeed.

May we stay. May we be stayed with.

May we know, and may we be, this kind of friend.

May we never confuse wealth with blessings