Lately, I have been particularly conscious of the preciousness of friendship. Over the past seven years, I have retired and moved to Peterborough. Letting go of the past and starting new relationships requires courage, patience and intention. For over forty years, my friend, Nancy, has been my anchor through this kind of upheaval. Although she lives far away, we have grown our friendship through letters, emails, phone calls and visits.
Because we have lived separated by great distance over the years, Nancy and I have both been intentional about maintaining and growing our friendship through all these different methods. We share our joy and reach out when troubles come. There is no greater gift than the peace and confidence that comes when we know we are loved just as we are, warts and all. With Nancy my mistakes, problems, grief, fun and celebrations are all accepted without judgment.
The writer of the Bible’s Psalm 139 claims God as his life-long friend. He tells us that God has loved us from our very beginning. There is nowhere we can go without God’s presence with us, God’s love surrounding us. My relationship with Nancy has taught me the reality of this Psalm. Within our friendship, I receive a taste of God’s eternal love.
Today I suggest that you give thanks for your friends. Tell them they are precious to you. Tell them of the goodness they bring to your life. In the same way, give thanks to God, who will never abandon you or throw you away. Rest in confidence as you walk your journey supported by your ever-loving God.
Jesus said, “If you, then…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”(Matthew 7:11 NIV)