Golden Friendships

I attended my college reunion this past week-end and dropped in on the Golden Luncheon, where those celebrating their fifty-year class reunion were assembled. These were the Sophomores, hated by those of us who were Freshmen. These were those responsible for initiating us into college life. These were our tormentors. I went to see if any of them had grown horns in the past fifty years. To my surprise, they had not grown horns, but had grown older, more gentle, kind, and even friendly. I have made many friends over the years, but these college friends, even these who made my freshman year so miserable, have stood the test of time. Today they are dear friends, with whom I share the golden years. Joseph Parry wrote:
“Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friends, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test-
Time and change-are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray;
Friendship never knows decay.
For ‘mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we reach and youth renew.”

Join me today in thanking God for long-time friendships.

Join me this week in praying for the following global concerns:
• Pray for New Life Church in Donetsk, Ukraine. They are having a difficult time with leadership.
• Pray for those in Spain this week as they begin engagement with their unreached people group.
• Pray for the church camp this week in Perth, Australia.