By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
I have many dear friends but hadn’t always been proactive about keeping in touch with them. I have my best friend to thank for teaching me what it means to be a good friend and to nurture valued relationships. Through her example I have learned the importance of phone calls, handwritten notes, and times of fellowship. The stuff memories are made of.
This friend has always been the social coordinator for our group. Over the years she has always made sure our families had special times together, making memories.
At least once a year, my friend planned a camping expedition. I have so many wonderful memories from these mini vacations. A few days a year we did life together, sharing meals, playing cards, swimming, and sitting around the campfire. We even had our own little church service on Sunday mornings. Our times of fellowship together have created strong bonds that continue to link us today.
Every time we get together we reminisce over ‘the good ole days.’ Sometimes we laugh so hard that we cry. There’s nothing quite like Christian friends.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! …. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12b)
Friendships are important. God never intended for us to go through life alone. Don’t let your treasured friendships slip away simply because life gets busy. Take time to call, write a note, or go to lunch with that special someone. Nurture your treasured relationships and grow old together. Sharing life with others is a beautiful thing!
To all my friends who are reading this today… “I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you.” (3 John 1:14a)
Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold.
