Pop Tarts and friends

Philippians 4:11 (ESV)

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Pop Tarts are one of the best foods on the planet! Whoever created them was a genius. From the frosting to the filling, Pop Tarts are just plain awesome. Did you realize that the yummy goodness of Pop Tarts could teach you about friendships?

One great thing about Pop Tarts is that there isn’t just one flavor to choose from. There are tons of filling flavors. There are Strawberry, Cookie Dough, Blueberry, Cherry, Hot Fudge Sundae and S’Mores just to name a few.  Just like Pop Tarts, there are tons of varieties of friendships. Some are really deep and will last a lifetime. Others are just fun and for the week of Spring break. Its easy at times to be frustrated with a friendship. You might wish that it was more meaningful, or something was different about that friendship. Instead of becoming unhappy with the friendships you have, you can cheer yourself up by realizing that like Pop Tarts, friendships come in lots of different flavors. It would be silly to get upset over the fact that your Cherry Pop Tart wasn’t a S’More flavored one. Yet, lots of times we do that in friendships. We get mad that our friendship isn’t the way we want it to be. Rather than getting upset, choose to be grateful for the friendships you have.

Another great thing about Pop Tarts is that they’re wrapped in foil. This keeps the pastry fresh for when you’re ready to eat it. That’s a lot like friendships. Friendships sometimes take time to unwrap. It may take some time to discover the true friends that you have around you. Never get frustrated feeling like you don’t have anyone or any true friends. Perhaps its just time for you to look around in your life for someone that could be a friend that you need to unwrap so to speak and get to know. Friendships take time to develop. Don’t become discouraged if it takes you a bit to find some true friends in your life.

Pop Tart flavors come and go. Some flavors have been retired. Other flavors are just used for an anniversary or birthday of Pop Tarts. New flavors of Pop Tarts come out from time to time. The same is true of friendships. Some friendships go. While it isn’t always easy in seasons when it doesn’t feel like you have lots of friends, you can take comfort in the fact that there are seasons in life. Some seasons you find that you have more friends than others. Don’t become discouraged when you feel that you have fewer friends. It’s just a part of life. Other seasons of your life, you will have more friends. Just choose to have a good attitude and not let the seasons of life get your down.

Finally, if you’re in need of friends, know that God is always there. He’s a friend that will never leave you. If you need to talk, get things off of your shoulders, you can go to God. He’s always ready to listen and bring you comfort.

Just like Pop Tarts, friendships are an awesome part of life. They both bring lots of flavor and fun to our lives. Choose to enjoy both friendships and maybe even a Pop Tart this week!

Dear Lord, we thank You for the friends You bring in our life. Help us to treasure then as the gift that they are. Thanks You for being a friend that will never leave us nor forsake us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.