The Dearest of Friends

Friends. They come and they go, don't they? It surprises me what passes for friendship sometimes. Especially when friends go. My Mother once told me I'd only have a few really good friends in life. Once again I'm admitting she was correct. Scary.
One of my friends from third grade to present sent me an email about some people are friends for a season or for a reason, etc. It totally freaked me out! I hurriedly emailed her back to apologize for being a lazy correspondent but assured her I thought of her every day and to please not dump me as a friend. Her reply? Laughter! "Silly," she wrote, "it's just a poem. I'd never dump you. You are indeed a forever friend." Thank goodness! Or is it just because I know alot of dirt on her? Which is another thought to ponder. We as friends are huge secret keepers. And our friends are ours in return. And, let's face it, we know the good keepers of our inmost beings and the poor ones. Be a good keeper.
Nobody really has "the dirt" on anyone. Instead, I prefer to think of it this way. We have Jesus. The ultimate laundry guy. We're made new in Him. White as snow. He's also the best friend we can ever know. We've all called a friend really needing to talk when they just don't have the time. It's happened to us too. We hate to let people down but its reality. Funny how it never happens with Jesus. He's already there. He's never busy. And here is His one-of-a-kind friend factor...He already knows what we need before we say a word. Another bonus? After we pour out our hearts to Him, we feel so much better it amazes us again and again. Another? He keeps all our secrets and forgives us over and over.
I have had girlfriends turn on me. It happened when I was a child, a teen and an adult woman. I have wept over them and prayed for them. It hurts as much when it occurs to a child as it does to an adult. I've learned to be careful. Most importantly, I've learned when Jesus is my best friend, everything and everyone else falls into place. Friendship is a gift from God. Tend yours well. Along with your best buddy, they will all flourish.