the value of friends

Last night at our inaugural concert I had the privilege of having a long-time friend attend and watch me accompany our choir.  Suzanne Pence (nee Tiller), one of the choral conductors at The University of Texas at Austin, was one of my high school friends, or as she put it, we were part of the choir and band geeks.  I reconnected with her at out 30th high school reunion and we have stayed in touch ever so slightly...and the fact that she would take the time to come this concert meant the world to me,.  Having her there brought back so many memories and reminded me of the value of friends.

The concert kicked off our Inaugural Weekend, a time in which I am officially placed into the office and role of Chief Executive Officer here at Concordia University Texas - and it is a great excuse for a celebration and party.  To help me celebrate and party, many of my friends have come from near and far to make this weekend special.  While I cannot name them all here, I do want to reflect on the value of friends, especially as it relates to leadership:

1. friends are a reminder of all the great things that have happened in your life and the journey you took to your leadership role
2. friends are a reminder of the struggles in your life, and the bumps and bruises that made you stronger for your leadership role
3. friends encourage and build you up when you need to make hard and gut-wrenching decisions
4. friends pray for you (and they even tell you they are praying for you)
5. friends will keep you humble because they know the real you, inside and out
6. friends will counsel you when you need some advice - and will keep your issues confidential
7. friends laugh with you about the past, the present, and even the future
8. friends cry with you when the world is crashing around you
9. friends know exactly when to call you (I have no idea how they know to do that)
10. friends don't need your constant attention (like others might)
11. friends have your back, and will cover for you when needed
12. friends don't let you do stupid things (and when you do stupid things, see #11)
13. friends have pictures of you they like to show others (and know which ones to NOT show)
14. friends are God's gift to you - steward them well

Consider the friends in your life and take some time today to drop them note, thanking them for their friendship and reminding them that you too are a friend to them.