friends.

today i feel compelled to write about something that has been on my mind, troubling me since earlier this week. a very, close friend of mine finally connected with me after months of little to no communication. she and i met when we were six or seven years old, and it took until high school before we really bonded and became good friends. we graduated high school, and our paths separated as we went to different colleges. and, in the years since, we've moved many times, changed phone numbers, made new friends, married...but, we've always stayed connected. i am so honored to have this person in my life, as she is one of the sweetest and most unselfish individuals you'd ever meet. needless to say, i consider her one of my best friends and even more priveleged that she is my daughter's God-Mother. it's not unusual that a month will pass by and we won't talk over the phone or even correspond via email. more often than anything, we exchange voicemails. but, the scarcity of those voicemails...and phone calls...and emails...even around the holidays...had me really worried since last fall.

when my phone rang on monday, i debated on letting it go...after all, i had errands to run and that precious window of time get the to-do's done before lunch and my daughter's nap. but, i felt compelled to pick it up and i'm so grateful i did.
i spent the next sixty-plus minutes on the phone with her, listening to rather upsetting news as she informed me of why she hadn't called and what was going on in her life. needless to say, it felt like i needed to board a plane...

my heart really goes out to her right now. i obviously cannot disclose the nature of her situation or the details of what she's enduring right now; however, i am so thankful that her health is okay. however, i am shocked, upset and have been very worried ever since our conversation, and it's hard to have faith enough to let go and trust that, somehow, she'll find her way and things will work out for her.

i don't normally chat about religion. i find that it's a bone of contention with many people. everyone has their own walk, their own faith. and, that's cool. growing up, i went to a non-denominational private school. i went to church. prayed before i went to bed. read the Bible. participated in youth groups. went to christian roller skating night at a roller rink a few towns away from mine. i probably am not as devout as i once was and ought to be {i say shamefully}. i am finding my way back though. the point of all of this is...there is a song that i remember from those times...and the lyrics popped into my head after i spoke with my dear friend. and these lyrics have been there ever since. the song is "friends" by michael w. smith. and, well, i've reprinted the lyrics because they pretty much sum up how i feel about the few, tight, "best" friends i have and the relationship i have with them.

it takes a lot of faith to let go and trust that even when your paths depart, you'll stay close. even when you get those phone calls with really bad news. good OR bad...there is something amazing about the impact a good friend has on your life. a simple phone call or email does wonders, even when your friend can only listen to your troubles, because, sometimes, no advice can be given. it's also an amazing thing to be able to do the same for them.

you may be seeing some good friends this weekend. or next week. whenever you do, hold them dear. listen to their thoughts...idle cares or serious troubles. let them know you're there foro them. just be you. it goes a long way...

friends

lyrics by deborah d. smith
music by michael w. smith

Packing up the dreams God planted,
In the fertile soil of you,
Can't believe the hopes he's granted,
Means a chapter in your life is through,
But we'll keep you close as always,
It won't even seem you've gone,
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways,
Will keep the love that keeps us strong.

And friends are friends forever,
If the Lord's the Lord of them.
And a friend will not say never,
'Cause the welcome will not end.
Though it's hard to let you go,
In the Father's hands we know,
That a lifetime's not too long,
To live as friends.

With the faith and love God's given,
Springing from the hope we know,
We will pray the joy you'll live in,
Is the strength that you now show,
But we'll keep you close as always,
It won't even seem you've gone,
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways,
Will keep the love that keeps us strong.

on a side note...just a quick thanks to all those who stop by my blog and read my ramblings and leave a nice comment. i really appreciate your creativity, your uniqueness...i hope you all have a great weekend.

'til next time. =)