Friends Are Friends Forever...

Proverbs 27:9 "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel."

Last night we were blessed with a visit from some very special, "old" friends, who were our colleagues in the ministry way back in the beginning of our lives.  What a joy...what a comfort...what a time of thankfulness after so many years to be enjoying one another's company again.

A few years ago there was a song entitled "Friends", sung by Amy Grant. The chorus goes like this:

"And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never

'Cause the welcome will not end

Though it's hard to let you go

In the Father's hands we know

That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends"

It's one of those songs that always brings tears to my eyes when I hear it sung at graduation ceremonies or other special events when friends are parting. 

One of the joys of having moved often in life is that we've been  blessed throughout the years to have gained many, many friends from places all over the country. One of the sorrows is that we've had to leave these dear friends behind when we moved on to the next place of ministry.  However, one of the greatest delights is when these friends somehow find us many years later, and go out of their way to seek us out and give us the privilege of spending some time with them, sharing happy memories, getting caught up with each of our families' news and events, and just enjoying one another again like in times past. 

The chorus of that little song is so true..."Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them..."   Even after twenty or more years apart, friends in Christ are still friends...we have a common bond that glues us together no matter what has separated us over the years.  That bond is Jesus, and there is such a precious sweetness to a relationship that is rooted and grounded in Him.  The best part of all is that we know that we will actually be able to spend eternity together...forever rejoicing in the Lord and in what HE has done for us!

I hope that you have friends like that...many of you are my friends forever...Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1