Friendship

Sunday I drove two hours to a surprise 35th wedding anniversary party of my best friend from high school. In fact, we went to school together from first through twelfth grade. She was certainly surprised and very surprised when she saw me standing there with the rest of her "in town" friends.

So many friendships were rekindled that day as the happy couple greeted and visited with many they had not seen in a while -- for some, it had many years. My friend and I share the kind of friendship that picks up right where it left off not matter how long it has been since we talked. We are the sister that each other never had. We each have older brothers: hers twelve years older and mine seven years older. We stay in touch and meet as often as we can.

After the party I went to their home so that we could visit one-on-one. Since it had been an afternoon of reminiscing with old friends, we did the same. It was the first time I had been in her home when all three of her sons and their families were there. She is truly the Princess -- maybe I should say Queen -- of the home. Her husband, children and grandchildren love her dearly. She is a blessed woman -- a Proverbs 31 woman. I would not be at all surprised if I heard them call her blessed.

Life hasn't always been easy for her. However, God has restored what Satan tried to completely destroy. She came through the trials with her dignity and her faith intact. She remained faithful to God and He has abundantly blessed her -- spiritually , physically and financially.

Each time I am around friends whom I am not privileged to live near, I am reminded that one day in Heaven there will be no more goodbyes. Relationships will be perfected -- no jealousy, envy, -- just love and joy.

Relationships -- that's what God is trying to teach us in His Word. That is the central theme throughout the Bible. It started in the garden, man messed it up. God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses, man failed again. Our world is in chaos due to messed up relationships. Homes, schools, work places even in some churches, relationships are in a crisis. Wars -- relationship failure -- when it gets right down to it, that's the problem.

King David asked for God to make him a clean heart and renew the right spirit within him, Psalm 51:10. We can only be responsible for ourselves and teach our children and grandchildren God's ways. But, if we each do our part, we can make a difference for the Kindgom.

I am blessed with sweet relationships in my life. True friendships cannot be bought, they come via time -- earned with love, loyalty and trust. I am so thankful for my friends. To my sweet life long friend, may you have many more years of happiness with your prince charming.