Friends of our Lives

“Friends love through all kinds of weather”. Proverbs 17:17(MSG)

Our friendships vary as we move from one season of our lives to another. We remember childhood friends, high school friends and friends we made in college. Then there are work associates, which, for a time, we also called friends, although the season may have been short. New friends are added as we mature, maybe ‘couple friends’ who attend our church, or families with children may become group friends.

How would you describe a ‘true’ friend? Do you have some from each of the seasons I mentioned? What sets a true friend apart from the others, from just an acquaintance of a few years?

Solomon certainly spoke wisdom about friendships:

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24 (MSG.)

Add your comments - we went to hear stories of your friendships!

Friends for all Seasons

A few weeks ago, I attended a national pastor’s conference in Mississauga. There were about 1000 in attendance. One thing I especially enjoy about these conferences is getting to see so many friends I’ve known through the years – people from many seasons of my life. Arriving early one morning, I greeted a woman in the foyer. Suddenly I realized she was a teenager in our first church. She reminded me of the many afternoons she and her friends had come to our home after school for trio practices. “Our friendship at that time,” she said, “shaped and established my Christian life.” I was her friend.

I met a couple later that morning that I only see occasionally, but right away the bond of friendship united our hearts as we visited briefly – a sincere friendship.

Pressing through the crowd at lunchtime, I bumped into a young woman, a former associate. (I actually had the privilege of mentoring her for several years). We enjoyed a brief exchange of warmhearted friendship.

Supper was shared with a couple I have known for many years who now live in the west. Our paths do not cross often but the friendship and respect of earlier years continues to grow and mature. It is as intimate friendship - with a ‘confidante’ quality.

Let me ask you about your friends. Have you ever tried to count them? Tell us about them.

Respond on our blog (just click "Comments" below to join the conversation!). We want to hear from you, our friends.

Eileen

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