BFF is text-speak for Best Friends Forever. I'm pretty sure it's roots are in the high school yearbooks back in the day, when we would sign each other's books with promises to be BFF's and other assorted acronyms. The reality of life is that not all friendships last. We move away, we move on, we move apart. There's lots of different reasons - poignant, practical, painful.
I have three dear friends out of the country right now. An odd coincidence that they're all gone at the same time. One is in China on business; one is in Malaysia visiting her daughter; the other is in Mongolia on a mission trip. I've been praying for each of them and look forward to seeing them again. Technology is amazing - I've exchanged emails almost every day with my friend in China. When I check my email at night, she is just starting her day. She & her husband are able to talk every day because of the wonders of technology; in fact, they can actually see each other over the computer.
D. & I email almost every day and we haven't missed a beat just because she's on the other side of the world. It's not even deep and important information - just a quick note, a little update on our day, a touch base that says "you're important to me."
My friend who is in Malaysia - we met on a mission trip to Israel. We were assigned to be roomates because we shared a common interest in banner-making. That was 1992. We've kept in contact ever since. Not daily, sometimes not even monthly. But we stay in touch because we care about each other.
The friend who is on a mission trip - we met when she was teaching a tambourine workshop that I attended. I instantly felt a kinship with her. It was like we were long-lost sisters reunited.
There is another friend who lives in Chicago.(Blu's grandma) We email frequently and occasionally talk on the phone. It's the kind of friendship where you can go for months, even years and almost lose contact. Then you pick up the phone and a long, laughter filled conversation ensues as we just pick up where we left off. I love that about her. It's such a joyful, simple relationship - no complexities.
I have another friend who is in her 70's. She lives in Arizona and stays in touch with me and all her friends by writing a monthly newsletter. I love receiving it. It's full of humor, warmth and wisdom. Her October newsletter came today (yes, a real honest-to-goodness paper letter that arrived in the mailbox). Included was this quote that is perfect for tonight: "Good friends are like stars...you don't always see them, but you know they are always there."
Five dear friends in different parts of the world tonight. We share different interests, we're different ages. There are many ways we're alike and probably more where we're not alike. It doesn't matter. I love them. Girlfriends are a gift from God.
2 comments:
Now that was really good. Sometimes we have to look at what we have lost to realize what we really have and what is really important. Brought a tear ot me eye.
PS: GREAT picture with this blog.
Powerful - poignant - p----I can't think of another word beginning with the letter "p," which is a real bummer for someone who is used to preaching 3 point sermons. OK, I'll simply say that your writing expresses qualities of life that run deep and make me think. Thanks, Sis.
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