Junquejo

There is a really popular Christian song by Michael W. Smith called "Friends"  The words to the chourus are as follows:

And friends are friends forever
If the Lords the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
cause the welcome will not end
Though its hard to let you go
In the Fathers hands we know
That a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.

I have been reflecting the last few days over my list of friends.  Not just mere acquaintances, but real friends.  I have been blessed over the years to have a lot of friends.... some closer than others.

I have been coming up with a list and I can count 3 best girlfriends on that list.  These are the ones that are there for me no matter what.  They have all been friends of mine for many, many years.  One of them since the 3rd grade.  The road hasn't always been easy... sometimes we have had periods of friendly separation.  But all in all - we are always there when the other is in need.  These are the people I turn to in joy, sadness, pain and celebration.  But, the great thing is.... they are there for just "girl talk"  and fun when I need it.  And I need that ... a lot!

Then there are the friends that are the unexpected bright points in my day or week.  Maybe they are new acquaintances that I just "click" with.  I find that we have so much in common that we just talk and talk and talk.  Maybe, once in a great while, these friends will develop into a "best" friend.  That is a miracle and something that should be cherished and protected.  But, other times, these types of friends just come in and out of my life depending on the circumstances of our lives.  Maybe we met because of school, work,  the activities of church, or our childrens activities.  While we are together, we have a great time & catch up on all the news and "girl talk."   However, when apart, we don't automatically think to call each other when we need something or have something that we need to share.

I have discovered that the second kind of friend is almost as important as the "best" friend.  Do you know why??? Because there are more of them!  They impact my life in many ways throughout my the daily activities.  I have so many of these friends and I am very grateful that they are there.  I believe, in fact, that God has placed many of them in my path when I needed someone - at that particular moment in time.  I will look up and there will be a friendly face.... someone who can cry, pray, celebrate, laugh or whatever the moment calls for... with me!  I have these friends at work, church, in the community and here, on the internet.  They are all special to me and I thank God for them.

God has blessed me with many friendships over the years.  I have outgrown some friendships along the way, but the memory of them is sweet.  I have current friends that I cherish and love to talk to and spend time with.  I look forward to the new friends that God has prepared for me to meet in the future.  Most of all I pray for them... all of them, past, current and future.  I want only the best for them, because I love them.