Friends...

I've been thinking about the importance of friends these last few days and how God has given me some great friends. I've had people that were friends, and then have lost them through the years, friends that I've known since public school, newer friends - all bring a different perspective and "flavor" to your life.

I have a friend I've know since Grade 1. We have gone through times of not keeping in touch and then reconnecting through letters years later. It's always great to get a letter from her and see what has been happening in her life. She has taught me perseverance in friendships.

I have friends that I met in public school. We've been able to hang on to our friendship also through the years of not staying connected. One has moved to Moose Jaw - so every year Debbie and me travel down there just before Christmas to spend the day visiting with her. They've taught me your never too old to try new things. One just recently got a tattoo and the other is still planning on going backpacking through Europe for her 50th birthday... Can you guess from the pic who is who?

I have friends that I've met in University, by being bold when I was shy and approaching a familiar face in the hallway that was awash with strangers. Through her I met 2 friends. One I ended up being roommates with, one was a bridesmaid at my wedding, and even now though our lives are busy we make a point of going out for coffee once a month. We have each lost a parent over the past few years, different circumstances for each of us but yet a common link. They have taught me that sometimes you need to work at keeping in touch and that friendship out weights bad days and bad moods, that you slog through them and love each other anyway.

Then I have a couple I'm friends with that teach me even when you haven't seen each other for years, it's just like time never past. That you can spend a whole weekend inside visiting and never see the sun until the day you leave and your totally okay with that because it was just so great talking to each other and sharing. That time and distance doesn't diminish friendship.

I have some internet friends that I have never met but now have known for years. They have taught me to be open to friendship in the oddest of places and even if you have never met doesn't mean that you don't have an impact on each other's lives.

Then I have my more recent church friends. Some I'm more close with then others, but they have all been there for me through thick and thin and I love them all. Some have taught me to just be myself and love life, some have taught me to keep relying on God to get me through, some are just a great voice of reason and understanding. Friends who I can't imagine getting through life without.

Thank you Lord for friends.