Longtime Friends

Have you ever considered the value of friendship? I’m not referring to Facebook friends, or people who are merely an acquaintance.

No, I’m talking about people who will walk with you through thick and thin, good times and bad times, whether you have a lot or little.

Friends.

My wife and I are so blessed. We have friends we’ve known for a long time; some for thirty and forty years. They’re scattered all over the country, with some even living on a different continent.

Florida, California, Washington, New York, just to name a few of the places our friends call home.

And, of course, we have great friends right here in central Iowa.

We were visiting some friends in the hospital the other day, and as we were walking back to our car I began to realize how special long time friends really are.

Why are they so special?

Because of all you’ve invested into each other’s lives.

Time, tears, and treasure. Maybe even a few trinkets along the way.

Laughter, love, and lessons learned. Last minute lunches just to catch up.

Phone calls, emails, post cards that say, “Wish you were here” (and you really mean it).

Prayers, problems, and even the deep pain of losing a loved one.

Friends grieve with you, rejoice with you, because friends love you.

Don’t ever take for granted, abuse or misuse, someone you know. Long time friends begin as casual acquaintances. Some never make it past being just someone you’ve met, but some do. Those who do may become someone whom God uses to invest much into your life, and you into theirs. And that’s beautiful.

One more thought while I’m at it. My wife and I have known each other for over forty two years. And besides being married, we’re also lovers, partners, and friends. Yes, friends. Longtime friends.

“There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
(Proverbs 18:24 NLT)