In July I celebrate the birthday of a dear, dear friend of mine.  We met in kindergarten where we discovered we shared the name “Judy.”  We soon learned our birthdays were only 5 days apart!  Friendship at five is fairly simple, but ours continued.  Two little girls playing together, going to camp together, shopping together, and yes discovering boys.  After high school we went our separate ways, but the US Postal Service insured that we kept in touch about marriages, moves, children, grandchildren and now the “golden years.”

We’re miles apart geographically but still close as friends.  I cherish her.  She has enjoyed a full life but now faces serious challenges.  I say a little prayer each time she enters my thoughts. 

Some of us are blessed with long-time friends and they are indeed special.  The friends we make today will never cover such long periods of years, but they can still be precious.  And more than likely, new friends are made among those whose company we enjoy now. 

Proverbs 17:9 reads, “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.”  Oh, that is so true.  When things get hectic and harried, thoughts of a true friend can lift our spirits.  Friendship is a gift from our loving Father, one more sign of the unconditional love he bestows on us.  

Praise God for his love, and the love of friends.

Judy