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Once upon a time a small bird was flying south for the winter when it found itself right in the midst of a huge, cold snowstorm.

The little bird, cold and alone, knew it needed to try and find shelter. The small bird sees a wide open field with a barn nearby so it lands and is shivering so hard it struggles to make it to the barn when all of a sudden a big ‘ol cow walks right over top of the bird and drops a plop right on top of its head.

The little bird was furious. He started to yell at the cow when he realized this situation, as bad as it was, actually warmed him up quite nicely. He then started chirping a beautiful song of praise, when a nearby cat hearing all the commotion, sneaks over, smacks all the poop off the bird then eats it.

The moral of the story: 1- Not everyone who drops a plop on you is your enemy. 2- Not everyone who cleans you off is your friend. 3- If ever anyone does drop a plop on you….keep your mouth shut. This story is overflowing with lessons needed these days, ain’t it?

The struggle is real when it comes to learning just who your real friends are in life. Folks will surprise you with their actions and with what you thought about them. And, let’s be honest. It’s hard for us to just keep our mouth shut at times.

James 1:19 instructs us: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Scripture tells us that silence can help us avoid sinning (Proverbs 10:19), gain respect (Proverbs 11:12), and is regarded as wise and intelligent (Proverbs 17:28). In other words, you may be blessed by holding your tongue. I also love the wisdom from Paul to the Corinthian Church in 1 Corinthians 15:33 where we read, “Don’t be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Do you wish to learn what a real friend looks like? A real friend has your back at all times. A real friend will tell you like it is even when knowing what they say will hurt your feelings. A real friend will joke with you and joke you just as a strange way of showing their love.

A real friend drops everything when needed. A real friend celebrates with you, mourns with you, struggles with you, laughs with you. A real friend accepts you for who you are. A real friend encourages you to achieve your goals and better yourself. A real friend grows with you. Be that friend.

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com.