Sometimes in this space I like to reflect on some passage of Scripture or to highlight something in the life of HLPC. Other times I just share something personal with you. This is one of those times to get personal.
This past weekend I was able to join some of my oldest friends in the world on an annual reunion weekend. We all share a connection to our college days at Auburn University- specifically the ministry of RUF. It was through this same ministry that I met Connie. Most of us have known each other for over 30 years.
We’re all growing older but the relationship dynamics within our group remains the same. We tell the same stories every year. We kid one another about the same things from our college days. Though in 50+ year old bodies, we still carry on like twentysomethings. So far, I’m the only grandad in the group but that should change before too long as more and more of the adult children are getting married.
I’m very grateful for these friends. We’ve been doing life together for a long time. In fact, when we get together it seems surreal. It feels like I stepped into a time machine and exited 30 years into the future.
We need friends. We need them to share our burdens, to pray for us, to encourage us, and even to exhort or rebuke us. We need friends who not only lighten life’s load but who can say hard things to us if needed. The Proverbs tell us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6).
If God has given you old and dear friends, be thankful. Proverbs also says, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). To say it’s a blessing to have such friends is an understatement. I’m very, very thankful for friends.