True Friendships
This coming Saturday, Eva is performing a funeral for one of her best college friends, Dearing. Unlike many college friends, they have remained close friends, seeing each other several times a year for close to fifty years, though they lived hours apart. This past weekend would have been one of the times they got together to laugh, reminisce, celebrate, and plan. Eva has cried and told me several times she couldn’t do it. One time asking if I had done a funeral for a friend like Dearing. Yes, I have, Wallace Ashley. Today was the anniversary of his death, fifteen years ago. I remember when he called to tell me how sick he was and if I could come see him. I went the next day, and I was taken aback by how gaunt and tired he was. Even in that setting, it was a great visit. Then, Wallace said, “David, you need to go. I’m tired and I hurt. But before you go, I want to ask you one thing, will you do my funeral?” I told him I would be honored and then we did what fraternity brothers aren’t supposed to do: we held hands, prayed and told each other we loved each other.
Over the past few days, in thinking of those two events, I realize how many acquaintances I have, but single-digit true friends. I am not complaining. I give thanks for those really, close friends who I share laughter, frivolity, pain, and joy. We might have different political parties, not like the same sports teams, have long-term marriages, ugly divorces, and different ideas of God. Yet, inextricably, we are tied to one another like hot dogs and french fries.
I guess what I’m trying to say is to thank God for your friends, to thank your true friends for loving you, crying with you, and laughing with you. Last, but not least, Jesus has named you friend. Why, even the one who betrayed him. This would be a good time to give thanks for that friendship!
Have Fun, David
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