Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy

There is nothing like friends. People who know you beyond the just the mask that you show the world.

I am grateful to have a few friends like this in my life. My wife is obviously one. But, the ones that I am thinking of are a handful of men who really know me.

There are a couple of older guys who are ahead of me in life. These guys are able to listen and give me insight into what's to come. They give advice when I ask. Most importantly, these men are able to help me avoid potential landmines that I do not know exist.

Then there are a few guys my age. We have locked arms and we are walking through life together. In many way these guys are my brothers. They challenge me and push me.

Finally, I have a few younger guys who I get to be the older guy for. I get to listen and them insight into what's to come. I give advice when they ask. Most importantly, I am able to help them avoid potential landmines they do not know exist.

I'm convinced for a healthy life we each need a Paul (the first group), a Barnabas (the second group), and a Timothy (the third group).