There are some people that no matter how long it has been since you talked to them, it is as if you picked up the conversation from the last time: people who may not know the details of your life, but do know you.  Often this person is a brother or sister whom you grew up with.  I have been blessed with a couple of these good friends in each congregation I served.  I even have one from when I was 5 years old!  When ever we talk, we just know how the other is.  Theses special friends may go in and out of your life, but always are wonderful to see.  For me, they are a mirror of what Jesus is like.  We want to live with, for, like Jesus everyday and yet do not quite accomplish that.  Instead, we have a good day or a few or even a month and then kind of wander off the correct path, if only a little distance and forget our best friend ever: Jesus.  When we come back and try to re-establish the relationship, to our amazement, Jesus is still their, patient, loving and kind.  Today, thank God for the “forever” friends you have and for Jesus who is our true example of a kind, loving friend.  Read John 15:1-17 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed