There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the peace of their self-content;
There are souls, like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran—
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

I see from my house by the side of the road,
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears–
Both parts of an infinite plan—
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.

Let me live in my house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by—
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish—so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat
Or hurl the cynic’s ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
—Sam Walter Foss (1858–1911)

To the world you are just one person, but to one person you could mean the world.—Unknown

Good friends are like stars; you don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.—Unknown

A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope.—Unknown

It is not so much our friends’ help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us.—Epicurus (341–270 BC)

My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.—The one to whom I can say, “I like me best when I’m with you.”—Unknown

Friendship that flows from the heart cannot be frozen by adversity, as the water that flows from the spring cannot congeal in winter.—James Fenimore Cooper (1789–1851)

Dear Lord, You teach me how to be a friend to others by always being there for me. You care about how things are going in my life, looking past my failings and assuring me of Your love in countless ways. May I also be a good friend to You, always reserving a place for You in my heart. I look forward to being with You for eternity, as You promised, “Where I am, there you [will] be also.” 1

  1. John 14:3↑