How many friends does it take to change a light bulb?

Five. One to change it and four to see if they do it the same way.

We evaluate our progress by our friends. From weight loss and money to hair styles and home décor, we look to our peers to see how we measure up. Who’s wealthier, more successful, or more attractive.

And we tend to choose friends we know we can compete with in areas most important to us. This is why it is so important to choose our friends well. As the saying goes, “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.

I’m fortunate to have many dear friends from several different groups. My longest friendships (other than my siblings) are with my high school friends. A group of us “girls” meet periodically and check in online, over the phone, and text. Through our 45-year friendship, we’ve helped each other with boyfriends, marriages, divorces, babies, grandchildren, ailing parents, our own illnesses and those of our spouses, employment struggles, and all the other ups and downs of life.

What a gift to have these wise, loving, and supportive women of faith for nearly all of my life. These mentoring heroes make me want to be so much better.

(Have you seen my posts on my blog: Midwest Mary?)