I sometimes envy women (whether real or in the novels I read or movies I see) who have had the same best friend(s) since high school or junior high or even elementary school. My closest friends from my school days moved away early in our lives (our late teens and early twenties), and time and circumstances eventually caused broken connections. The lack of email or texts or social media didn’t help matters.
While I may not be able to boast friendships that go back to grade school, I do have long-time friendships that were arranged by God. Many are other writers, which is nice because we speak the same language.
Recently, I was asked via a third party to read a Bible study for possible endorsement. It was great, and I sent off my endorsement to the author, someone I’d never met. We ended up having an email exchange, each learning about the other. When I read she didn’t have a green thumb, I shared that I once “killed” an air fern. (Not easy to do since air ferns are already dead.) Anyway, in no time at all, I knew God had given me a new friend.
Just think of it. The key relationships the children of God will have in heaven are first with our Father and with Jesus, and then with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. All of the godly friendships we make here on earth will continue in eternity.
Eternity … that’s a whole lot longer than the fifty or sixty years I might have had with childhood friends. As Michael W. Smith sings, “And friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them.”
I’m blessed with so many eternal friends. I hope you are too.
Care to share a story about your best friend? Maybe how you met and/or how long ago it was.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Awww, I love this, Robin. I’ve always liked the little rhyme: “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” My childhood friends are so dear to me, but I also love that God has given me friends to walk through each new season of my life. And those friendships truly are precious “metal.” Thrilled for evidence that you and I have been friends for DECADES! So sweet!
I know, Deb. Wasn’t it fun to see that photo of us from way back when?
My dearest friend was Diana. We met when our children were still quite small. But we hit it off right from the start. She was the kind of friend that loved you like a sister and always unconditionally. Sadly I lost my best friend 20 years ago, as cancer took her much too soon. I cherished her friendship and look forward to her greeting me when I make the eternal trip to heaven.
It’s hard to lose a friend so early. But oh, the reunion in heaven will be amazing.
The first time my best friend and I met (at church), we didn’t like each other at all. Two years later, we had purchased homes near one another, our husbands were both young lawyers working long hours, and both had toddlers/babies. My husband encouraged me to try again (while he was on a business trip and I was lonely). I took a present for her new baby (her 2nd) to her house and, as she tells the story, never left! But seriously, we were inseparable from that point on. We even built homes next to one another for seven wonderful years. Then life took us to different places. But after 30 years of friendship, proximity doesn’t matter. She’s still my best friend.
Oh, what a great story! I love it. Thanks for sharing.
Friends are such special treasures, and I’ve been blessed with so many. I’ve even said that by the world’s standards, I may not be wealthy, but when it comes to my friends, I’m blessed beyond measure. 🙂
I am very thankful to still have my 4 besties from high school! We’ve been in each other’s weddings, been there for each other in tough times (funerals of parents), and thanks to social media, these special friends are just a quick text away (although the 5 of us now live in 3 different states).
I also consider my writer friends as special friends who have been a huge blessing in my life! (Several of you are on this blog!) 😉
Thank you for sharing this post today, Robin. 🙂
Patti Jo, I still see in my mind that photo of the two of us together at the RWA conference (2016?), all dressed up for the awards night. What a fun memory.
I am fortunate to still have my best friend from high school in my life. We also went to college together. In addition, I have many friends through my teaching, reading, and church associations, like you. I love the Michael W. Smith song “Friends”. In fact, we used it for one of our 5th grade graduation ceremonies!
So wonderful for those long time friendships.