Forever friends. We all have one. Perhaps a few.
This coming fall my wife and I will meet four other couples along the Oregon coast. We worked, worshipped and began our families together in a distant city. We have not all been together in nearly 24 years. Here and there in Dallas, Dayton, Atlanta, Branson and Los Angeles our individual paths have crossed. Kids, grandkids, moves, promotions, heartaches and struggles have molded our lives. We have changed, but our friendship has not. We await our grand reunion!
You have them, too. Friends forever. The ones that time and distance can’t diminish. Mine are scattered across the United States and around the world.
Leah and Emer were friends for more than 70 years. Husband and wife to be exact. Well into his 90s now, Emer sits alone in church these days. His loving daughter at his side, he has not forgotten the “till death do us part” line he pledged to Leah. In fact, I know he’s looking forward to picking up where they left off — in Heaven! Forever.
My little buddies Jack and Zac can’t hold a candle to Leah and Emer for longevity. Oh, but their friendship is still fun to watch. Running. Rough-housing. Playing with trucks and tractors. Little boy stuff. Friends? Yes. Forever? Give them time!
My friend Al was dying of cancer. When the outcome was certain, dear friends came to say good-bye. Over the weekend together, laughter and memories mixed with tears and embraces. I was not there, but I’ve been told the final moments together were heart-stopping. Forever friends being forced to wait until that bright ‘gettin up morning to carry on.
As Garrison Keillor might say, it’s been anything but a quiet week in Lake Wobegon this week. Change. Upset. Fears. Uncertainty. Division.
I’ve been thinking a lot about my Forever Friend this week. I picked up my Bible this evening and read some encouraging Words.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ . . . Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:5-8
There’s that forever word again!
Relationships crumble. Jobs end. Morals decay. People fail. “But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations.” Psalm 102:12
Catch that word again?
Paxton has been my buddy for several years now. When we first met he was my shadow. When I was near he pursued me so that he could play games on my iPhone. I tried (and failed) to turn his Transformers back into cars. We read books and played together. He sat next to me at meals. He was a welcome shadow. Now he’s my friend forever.
The familiar Psalm says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6.
My Savior pursuing me! A good and merciful Friend. A lifelong Friend.
A Forever Friend!