Best Friends

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.”

Proverbs 17:17

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.”

James 5:16

Candace and I met the first day I rode the bus to my new school following a move. It was the middle of the school year and the bus driver asked me to sit in the second seat back, right side, with two sisters. I found out that day that we were neighbors who lived across the street from one another. I was in third grade and she was in second. Her sister was in kindergarten. Since that day, we have become “Bestest Friends Forever” and have spent many times together.

When we were still in elementary school, Candace and her family moved to California for almost a year. It seemed like forever! It was difficult to stay connected because long distance calls were expensive. We wrote letters to keep in touch. We both remember the day when she and her sister surprised me by knocking on the door to tell me they had moved back! Unfortunately, I had the measles, so all we could do was wave through my living room picture window.

While growing up, we took turns hanging out at each others houses and spending time in the yards with our dogs. Secrets were shared first with one another and held close.

When Candace’s mom made liver for dinner, she’d call to see what we were having and asked to be invited over. She also learned to eat peanut butter on pancakes. (Which she still likes today!)

We spent time singing to records over and over and Candace listened to me practice playing my violin.

Candace had a big weeping willow in her yard with flowing branches that we would hide under and pretend was our protection.

In the winter, we would “ice skate” on the street while trying to get across to see each other.

When we were old enough, we started our first jobs working together at a fast food restaurant where we enjoyed making new friends and joking around.

There was a time when my finger got shut in my locked car door, and her mom took a look at it to see that it didn’t need stitches.

We’ve stayed friends through the good and tough times, through the unexpected and the celebrations. During the especially difficult days, we would have gone to dinner at our favorite Amish restaurant. We’ve shared walks, porch time tea talks, and last minute breakfast dates, telling stories over and over—listening without interrupting or correcting. Texts and calls work great when times are busy. Random “just because” gifts, made extra special when we pick up two: one for ourselves and the other for our “Bestie”!

The Lord gave us friendships to make life sweeter and more bearable. He wants us to spend time with others throughout our lives’ journey. Some friends are only for a season. Others come through shared activities. Only a select few will become those special friends who we can call anytime of the night and who will jump in to help no matter what we are going through. Who are your friends?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for best friends! Thank you for those chosen ones we hold close to our hearts, who give us love and support no matter what! Help us to be loving friends to those who need us. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Journal: What are some of the best times you’ve shared with your best friends? How can you add more of these special times?

Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash