Thursday, June 23, 2011



Friends

Make new friends but keep the old
One is silver and the other gold.

I am sure many will remember singing that song as a scout.

That song has much meaning for me even after so many years. When I was singing that song as a scout it was just a song, but now so many, many years later, I have found that it has much more meaning for me.

For several weeks I have been in a state of excitement, anticipation and preparation. A friend was coming for a visit. It was going to be a short visit but, none the less, Barbara was coming. You see Barbara is my oldest, truest friend. We met in middle school and have been friends ever since. Our bonding time in high school set the scene for a lifetime of picking up where we left off. We were a matched pair. We shared many things as do all friends. All of that silly crazy girls talk. Yep, it still goes on to this day. We introduced Barbara to her husband; both of our men had military careers. We caught up with each other as children were born and whenever we were stationed close to each other. Barbara ended up settling in Indiana and we in Virginia. Not very close to each other, but when we did manage to see each other it was just like we had been catching up over tea and scones each day.

There was much preparation for me to make sure all was perfect-the house clean and sparkling, fresh linens and, of course, fresh flowers for her room. Barbara is a master gardener. I had meals to decide on and the good china to set out. Yes, it has to be perfect and the best for my friend. Not because I needed to impress her but because I loved her and wanted to honor her; to let her know I much I love her; to let her know that anytime with her is “special”.

Here we are, no longer 16 but just old lifelong friends. Our children are grown and we have been blessed with grandchildren and husbands (good men) of 50 plus years. Oh, how I looked forward to that day when we would meet again and just be so very comfortable in each other’s presence. To just drink in the easy comfort of that long ago established friendship. To know that we could just be us, just chatting about life past and present. Barbara also is a strong Christian. Can’t say that when we were young we were, but along the way we found out that Christ is the one who sustains, leads and directs us. What a comfort to have a best friend like that. I know if I never see her again I will see her in heaven.

As I thank God for Barbara in my life I also am thankful for Christ in my life.
My mind goes to the questions of: do I prepare each day to make sure I have a perfect welcome for Him? Have I saved the best for Him. Do I seek His presence with joy? Do I love and honor my King each day with time spent talking with Him and with study in His word. I so look forward to the day when I will meet Him face to face and have endless time to talk.


What a Friend We Have In Jesus Joseph N. Scriven 1855

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.

Christ is my Best friend. Who is your Best Friend?

2 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you have a friend like Barbara. That's a special friendship that only God can orchestrate. Thanks for letting us get to know her, too:)

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  2. Sally, I love your statement, "not because I need to impress her, but because I love her". You can be sure your friend sees your heart (and is honored), just as God Himself does! It reminds me of Jesus' parable of good fruit from good trees (Luke 6:45) "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart." God has blessed you with a wonderfully good friend, which you have been diligent to nurture by pouring your good heart into. What a gift, as well as a testament to your faithfulness.

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