Friends

“Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father. . .” (Proverbs 27:10a).

I visited faraway friends last week. I try to visit at least some of my friends from my former states of residence once a year.  This month, Adela Bajko left this earth for her reward in heaven, thus the reason for this trip. Her husband, Paul, died last August and I’d visited Adela once since that time. It was my hope to visit again this summer. She was almost 98 years old! She lived a full and fulfilled life. She and Paul survived the war and time spent in a displaced persons camp. They eventually came from Poland to the USA, received their college education, had a family, and began a ministry.  Through it all Adela remained faithful to God and to the ministry with Paul. She  encouraged everyone around her. She was always hospitable, loving and serving others. I was blessed to count her among my friends as far back as my first year of college.

I spent the night with a preacher couple Wayne and I have known since the time we were married. They were both a source of strength and comfort during Wayne’s illness and death.  I am blessed by their friendship and hospitality. Thank you, Loren and MaryJane!

The next day I drove a couple more hours and spent time with friends known since the 80s and 90s. I enjoyed dinner with a dear friend who served many years as a Sunday School teacher at a church Wayne and I had served.  I spent the night with a couple from that same church. She worked and continues working with the youth. I cherish the many memories we share.

Another friend isn’t able to get out much, so I spent some time with her, reminiscing about our hours of planning and doing VBS and other children’s classes and activities. We talked about how life changes and the hope we have in Jesus, the One who never changes. I don’t know if I’ll get to see her again on this earth, or any of the others, for that matter. I’m glad we all share the same hope.

I finished my day of visiting by meeting a realtor friend for lunch at a restaurant. She helped us buy and sell a house while we lived there.  Our lives have both changed since I moved from there, but she has stayed in touch and I’m grateful.

Friends are important to me and I love it when they come to visit. There’s nothing quite like sitting down, face to face, with a friend who you’ve shared life with. I’m looking forward to the time I can take another friend trip.  May God bless all my friends! Even when I can’t visit often, God is present with us.

“A friend loves at all times . . .” (Proverbs 17:17a).

“. . . there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”(Proverbs 18:24b)