"And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them And a friend will not say never 'Cause the welcome will not end Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long To live as friends" *
I am an introvert in an extrovert world. True story. As an introvert, I need people around me that will light a fire under me and say "let's get together and have some fun"!
I have been given the gift of friendship in many people, but there are two women who have known me for over thirshramenteen years. Okay, who am I kidding--we have been friends for well nigh over (oh gosh, just say it, Valerie!)...well, I am older than dirt and they are young grasshoppers next to me. Let's just say it is a hefty three decades.
We know things about each other. We used to live in the same valley (CA's "Silicon Valley"), for many of those years attended the same church and, in general, know what makes each other tick and get ticked-off from all the shared experiences in life! We have prayed for our families, our husbands, our children...and now our children's children. I would go to the mat for these ladies and I know they would do the same for me.
"Packing up the dreams God planted In the fertile soil of you Can't believe the hopes He's granted Means a chapter in your life is through But we'll keep you close as always It won't even seem you've gone 'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong" *
Almost two years ago my life was uprooted (with my permission) from my native California and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area to the greater Nashville area. I knew that this move would cause me to feel disconnected and that I would have to work at making new friendships. But I would not allow the move to disrupt the close friendships I had cultivated over the years--and with these two women, in particular. Months would go by, but with one phone call it was as if we were picking-up from where we left off the last time.
Recently, they gave me an invaluable gift of their time and resources by flying out to spend several days with me. That is a big deal! In preparation for their arrival, I dreamed and plotted and planned so many different itineraries. Varied places to take them and things to experience together. A few weeks later, I would scrub those ideas and jump to another set. I finally had to narrow the ideas down to a do-able list. And when the actual day came for their arrival, my husband and I had put together a great plan that didn't quit until we had to take them back to the airport.
Woven through the days we had together were times to experience good food, historical buildings and plantations, shopping and downtown Nashville. But included throughout were moments of laughter, heart-felt tears and tons of listening and encouragement. I think maybe there was some relaxation in there, too--somewhere!
Friends are important to have and keep. It takes time to cultivate a friendship. It takes honesty to deepen and strengthen that friendship. And it takes selflessness and humility to care and nurture a friendship. But I have found the most important ingredient to a friendship is the bond in the Spirit through the Lord Jesus Christ that elevates a friendship to a place of kinship; a family-style relationship. A sisterhood.
"And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them"
* lyrics from "Friends" Written by Majid Hasan, Sean L. Foote, Barry Eugene White, Robert Taylor, Mary J. Blige, Tom Brock • Copyright © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group