I heard something cool yesterday that got me to thinking. After all, my banner does say”Ramblings from the mind of a guy who’s mind is always spinning and a spinning…” 
I thought it would be a great “pick-me-up” and also tells a great story.
In the absence of a youth pastor, I had made a commitment at the beginning of the summer to visit our church camp each week we have a camper-boy or girl, one/two or more. Little did I know that we would have someone each week! Needless to say I have put some miles on my vehicle just going to camp but I do not regret it one bit! Every one of the kids have greeted me and allowed me spend some time chatting with them…without making me feel like I spoiled their party. Yesterday (Wednesday), I went to camp and there were two young men there. I call them young men because they begged me to and because they treated me well. Actually they are not quite teens yet but I had a great visit with them. It was what one of them said that is my point for this post. Not about me. But about the other one. Dominick looked at me and said Eli was his “Jonathan.” Then assuming I may not know what he meant or that I didn’t know who Jonathan was, he proceeded to tell me that Eli would be there as a friend to help when he needed help. Implied in his words was that Eli would also keep an eye on him. And he would be Eli’s “Jonathan.” I told him/them that was cool! “That is the way it is supposed to be-one watching out for the other.”
That stuck with me the rest of the afternoon on the way home and then as I laid in bed last night. Those two boys…excuse me, young men…get it. It takes more than one to stay on the right path. It takes a friend, an ally, someone who will stick with you through thick and thin, someone who will “call you” on stupid things and will listen to advice. I have a Jonathan. I wrote about him here. We all need one. I am glad that Dominick and Eli have made this “pact.” I am hoping and praying even more that they can stick with it because I am looking for some good stuff from both those young men. 
Do you have a Jonathan? Do you have any thoughts you would like to share on this? I would like to hear them. BTW: if you don’t have one, you need to find one. Yesterday.
I have a few Jonathan’s in my life, and I try to be their Jonathan as well. It has definitely changed my life for the better.
Good for you Dusty. I need a Jonathan to tell me slow down after this week!
I tried to think of a Jonathon I have ever had. I don’t think I have ever had one. I have always thought of myself as self sufficient and have never really thought of someone other than me protecting my interests. I can see it would have it’s advantages. I guess I have never met that person or felt a need to find them. Where would you find one at?
I have a lot of online Jonothans. Does that count? I’m not so good at the bromance thing in real life.
Jeff: you raise a good question. I can think of several places-church, work, play, ministry. It has got to be someone who accepts you for who you are. Has shared interests. Has your best interests in mind. Can be trusted. Wants nothing out of it other than a friendship/accountability/hang out. (Has no designs on remuneration or what they can get back type of thing). Can be there if needed. Those are just some ideas. Anyone else can add to this?
DS: good question. I would say to some extent it would but I suspect it would work better if “Jonathan” had skin on him.
I have been blessed with many Jonathan’s…some have been my friends since I was seven. I am further blessed to see that repeat in my sons lives.
Truly an awesome story you shared!
I have several and the thing is they have impacted me more than I have them.
Jay: that is awesome about your sons. They learned well. Glad you liked the story.
Michael: glad you have them but don’t underestimate your own influence upon them.
I have three or four “Jonathan’s” in my life plust some close friends that are not quite as close but are certainly there many times. I try to reciprocate but I don’t know that I am always as good at it as I should be.
Kierstyn has been working on that for a few years now but so many teen girls are come and go but I think she finally has found three two or three that are fantastic!
Danaye: I know it has been a physical struggle for you for over a year now but am glad to see that you have maintained the Jonathans in your life. also glad to K making sure she has them as well. Her future well-being may very well depend on it.
I am so glad to hear that story and glad you had a good visit with the boys. It meant a lot that you took the time to go see them and I think you are right about them. Dominick and Eli are already trying to be true friends to one another. I’m thankful for their friendship and that they had the opportunity to learn and grow together this week.
Hey there 1/4heeb: Glad they enjoyed the visit. I am also glad to see that they are starting early in the Jonathan thingy.
BTW: for all the uninitiated 1/4heeb is my secretary.
and Eli’s mom
I have several but I can say to Danaye that it’s not just teen girls that come and go- some people are that Jonathan even if it’s just for a season. I had a friend in college who was that Jonathan- was part of the wedding and then after the marriage fell apart she moved out of state and quit having anything to do with me. I found out she had remarried and had a child through other people. I struggled with that for quite a while but realize that season of my life is older now. I have several Jonathan’s now that the friendships have just been made in the last 10 years but I know so much about them that I feel like I have known them all my life.
Tami: I think you pegged it right. Sometimes Jonathans are for a season and then you move on for various reasons: maturity, likes/dislikes, moving away, etc. Know you have them and glad you do. Love you much.
I have a Jonathan..for sure. But as I’m reading these comments by males and particularly the one by Jeff, I realize that it is sometimes VERY hard for men to have Jonathans, esp. if they have a shy or introverted personality. My husband is like this. he just doesn’t share himself with anyone really except for me and when I told him to “go get a friend” he snickers. I think this is due to being let down so much too..esp. at church. Some of the meanest people come from church yet some of the sweetest people I know are in church too. After all, we are all sinners saved by grace. But this has caused me to be very guarded but it has caused my husband to put up a wall. He just doesn’t trust anyone except me. I guess I’m his jonathan. does that count? Probably not, but its better than nothing.
Michelle: glad you have a Jonathan. Understand what your husband is going through since trust is a major factor. There is nothing wrong with having a wife as a Jonathan but sometimes it is good to have someone outside the situation to keep us fresh. But if it works for you two then go for it!
Oh I absolutly have some Jonathans! My husband is one, my BEST friend is TRULY always THERE for me, and many other friends that I know I could count on for anything. I am truly blessed!
Good to hear from you Pinky. Glad to hear you have a Jonathan. You are blessed.