What quality do you value most in a friend?

Looking back over the years most of my closer friends have had the same qualities. They are people of faith, I can talk and pray with them, they listen and not judge, and they provide encouragement when I needed it.

But my closest friends understood when I needed space to process things. They gave me space and time to think things through and did not take it as we are not friends any more. They understood my need to “turtle” and be inside my shell every now and then.

In my heart I am introverted, which just means I need space to recharge my batteries by being alone by myself. Unlike extroverts who need to be around people to be recharged.

For example, if I am thinking through a big issue I will go to my shed to be alone or I will go for a walk up our local rock that over looks our town. The space provides no distractions and I can just hear from God.

My best friends over the years have always understood this. They know I spend a lot of time talking and listening to people in my job as a Pastor or Chaplain and I need time alone or time alone with God to reset and recharge.

So what do I value most in a friend? Someone who understands my rhythm of time with people and time alone. Time when I need to turtle!