When God gives you a best friend, amazing things start to happen. You've been gifted with this other person to help fill up your days with light. Your life becomes that much better, that much richer. You have this amazing bond you didn't realize was possible until that person came into your life. And each best friend brings new meaning and new perspective. Like the cliche saying goes, "life just wouldn't be the same without them".

When God gave me my best friend, I was 17 and needed her more than she could know. I was at my fourth high school and was in desperate need of a best friend. She was (and still is) the kindest person imaginable and I wanted to be her friend. I had friends, but I didn't have a best friend. There's a difference between a friend and a best friend. For starters, the relationship is on a different level. A best friend is one of the biggest comforts God could give you. This is someone you don't have to explain yourself to, someone who understands you and no explanation is needed because they are your person.

A best friend will be there with you at all stages of life. From the awkward middle school days of frizzy hair and braces, to graduation and moving out, to the day you meet your special someone. And if you're lucky, they'll be going through the same experiences as you. They will be there through the ups and downs and encourage you no matter what.

When God gave me my best friend, I was 20 and needed her more than she could ever know. I was teaching English in China, very far away from home, and God knew I needed her in my life. I needed someone who would push me and challenge me to try, and do, new things.

A best friend knows all your secrets, not just the embarrassing I-can't-believe-I-did-that ones, but the hard ones too. The family secrets. The ones that hurt. The ones that matter. A best friend will listen as you pour your heart out about past and current pains, and be there with you to shoulder them.

A best friend will be there for all your heartbreak. When that boy you really liked totally broke your heart. Or when you broke his. They will support you in that new love, and cheer you on. Unless he's a total jerk, then they'll really let you know. And they'll be loyal to a fault and kick anybody's ass who dares mess with you. They will try to protect you from any potential harm or heartbreak, which can cause them to lie to you when telling the truth might be too painful. But they will always come around and tell you what you need to hear, especially when you're about to color your hair an awful color that will never look good.

When God gave me my best friend, I was 21 and my whole world was about to change because this time, I was marrying my best friend. God knew I needed him in my life and knew what a gift he was giving me. He teaches me how to be stronger, more independent, and helps me follow my dreams.

When God gave me my best friend, I was 22 and needer her more than she could know. I was newly married and finding my way through the ups and downs that marriage brings. She taught me how to wait it out and to role with the punches.

When God gives you a best friend, He gives you someone to hold onto. Someone who will know every inch of you and still chooses to be seen with you. When Gods gives you a best friend, he gives you a life long companion, a confidant, a lover. He gives you your final person.