Bound in Friendship

I haven’t seen some people from high school, college, seminary, and grad school in ages.  How long?  Try about 12 years or longer.  That’s a long time.  Some of my good friends haven’t even met my family.  Never met my wife or children.  Might sound weird to you all that I would call them my “good” friends.  They are my “good friends” and I would put them up as my “best friends.”  (I didn't initially say "best friends" because it doesn't sound like me and makes me feel like a teenage girl talking about their BFFs.)

Now I know that normally when it comes to friendship, we are supposed to be in somewhat proximity, or at least be able to communicate, or see each other for more than 10 years.  But sometimes life takes us on a fun roller coaster ride, and you just can’t stop in the middle of the ride of life. 

In this picture, I saw my old grad buddies from Claremont this past night.  Our paths just happened to cross, and we had a great time spending the night together and they got to meet my family and my big puppy Suzie.  I am looking forward to meeting their family as well. 

Even though I haven’t been the best communicator with my friends, which I feel terrible about, when we first saw each other tonight, it’s almost like we haven’t skipped a beat.  There was no nervousness, no tension, not even talking about “where were you?” talk or “what happened?” talk.  It was just gabbing about whatever and anything. 

This to me is a sign of a lasting friendship.  I know that whatever happens in the future, and even if we find ourselves apart for an extended amount of time, they will always be my buds.  Love does not break.

To be honest in the last few months, I have been reconnecting with old friends serendipitously.  It just started happening.  For example, when talking on the phone with my friend Jack, again… it’s like we never skipped a beat.  Again, love does not break. 

Love surpasses time and beyond all circumstances in life.  So, this is the closest metaphor we can think about when it comes to our relationship with God. 

We may miss a prayer, a church service, a fellowship event, or even fail to think about God for an extended amount of time, which is somewhat normal for most of us.  But that does not mean that God forgets about you.  And it does not mean that when you take a step forward in getting closer to God you need to feel embarrassed or ashamed.  God isn’t going to ask you about “What happened,” or “Where were you,” or “Explain yourself.”  That is not what God does.  God, like the strong relationship we have with other people, will embrace you and never skipped a beat with you.  God’s love does not fail, it does not break, it does not disappoint.  It is never too late to rediscover God in your life.

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