Friends

Through the years I have had the privilege of many friendships in various places and with numerous connections. The name of one childhood friend gave my kids a good laugh. Her name was Florida Holiday, pronounced Flo-ree′-da.

Some friends have been life-long, even when we don’t see each other often or live nearby. It’s  been rightly said that as soon as we meet again, we pick up where we left off. Bill and I have two friends in Wilmore, Kentucky, who are in that category.

The term BFF (best friends forever) could be applied to friends we’ve met and kept because of common interests from church, school, and the pro-life ministry. The scripture about a friend who “sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24) describes those friends who have been with us during times when life was tough, when circumstances shook up our world.

Bill has often said that we have found friends in church ministry who have become as close as our own family. We have sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, mothers and fathers among members of several churches where we’ve served. They would do anything for us. These connections are strong ties, and we’re grateful.

Those who follow us on Facebook are counted as “friends.” And for most that is a true title, but some are listed under the heading of acquaintances. I’ve sometimes asked myself, “How do I know these people? On what is our relationship based?” Threads are needed to connect friends.

In the last few years, we have been losing friends through death. I’ve put a DOD (date of death) beside their name in church directories. We are no longer able to pay tribute to them, to share how much they contributed to our lives. I send sympathy cards and I’ve given memorial gifts, but that doesn’t say enough. We love them and wish their family and friends well. I pray for the God of all comfort to be near their family.

We must not forget. Friends are our cherished gifts from God.