Friends

One of my longest friendships in my life is with a woman named Betty.  She and I became fast friends when we were in 2^nd grade.  We were in classes and Girl Scouts together up until the end of 5^th grade when she moved away.

Through college, jobs, relationships, weddings, expanding families, shared joys and sorrows, we have always remained close.  She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two boys.  We see each other maybe twice a year if we are lucky.  Yet, we still can pick up right where we left off every time we see or talk to each other.  I’m not much of a phone conversationalist, and time constraints prevent us from seeing or talking to each other as much as we’d like.  Our shared history is what keeps us close—that, and our love of God.  She inspires me through her life and testimony.

Whenever I do get the chance to call Betty, I always think when I hang up the phone: “Why didn’t I call her sooner?”  She always encourages me and says just the right things to help me feel better about the challenges I face. 

A confession:  Sometimes I say the same thing after communing with God through His Word.  I wonder why I hadn’t already turned to the Bible for encouragement, and to find just the right things to give me hope in times of adversity.  Just like friendships have to be maintained through communication, so does a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  God always has the time to spend with us, but we have to take the time out of our lives to make Him a priority.  Even though some friendships may not last, we know that “God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1: 9)