As I wander in my mind recalling friends from the past, I was blessed to know them, share time with them and then life moves on.  My memories are wonderful. Sometimes distance separated us, sometimes life events caused one of us to “move on,” sometimes the friendships/relationships needed to end, but the months, years and time we shared mattered and were for a reason.

Friends from church Luther League, friends from school and college, neighborhood friends, boyfriends, all fond and fun memories, but contact with them now is nil or an occasional LIKE on social media. However, having those friends in those particular times meant a lot and they were significant in my life for a reason. Sometimes tough lessons were learned.

I am blessed to have four very dear friends that I have remained close to for almost 50 years.  Marriages, babies, family deaths, laughter, tears, ups, downs, we shared it all. No matter how far we live from each other or how often or seldom we see each other, the love and friendship never falters.  They are in my life for a reason.

Have you considered that our Lord can be your most treasured friend?  He can be there for you twenty-four seven.  He can listen.  He can be your source of real joy and peace.  He can comfort you and console you. He can provide for you. He can be in your life for a reason.  He will not push Himself on you or intrude where He is not welcome.  He will not leave you or give up on you.  What a gift!  A friend who doesn’t “quit” the friendship. Our Savior loves you unconditionally and wants to be the reason you love others, the reason you share and care and the reason you tell others about your amazing LIFE friend. He gave His life for you, trust the relationship.  Mark 12:30 “And you should love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this is the first commandment.”

Jill