friends

When I moved to Canada, with my family, at age 13, I left many friends, family and other loved ones behind. Being thirteen, a typical teenager, and stubborn, I was very unhappy with the choice my parents made. Especially because my friends were everything. Now, after years, I only have contact with a few of the friends I had when I was in grade eight before we moved.



And yet, those that I do keep in contact with, and have kept in contact with for the six (long) years that I lived here, are very dear to me. Those people, those very special individuals have made my time here in Canada, especially in the first few months, easier to go through. I knew that they still cared for me even though I lived many many miles from them. I knew then, what I know now, that friends are friends forever when the Lord is the Lord of them!



But I even have friends here, that I don't see to often. Or friends that have moved away since I met them. I have had friends that I lost over the years, both here and in Canada. But when those friends call, contact you in some way shape or form, there is a bond that always existed. That bond is then 'restored', reconnected, re-energized.

I never want to loose those friendships. But that is not something I can control. Sure I can do whatever I can, from my side, give it a 150%, but if it is only coming from one side the friendship will sink. However, if both parties, both friends themselves to each other, if they care for each other, and if they are dedicated, devoted I think it does work. I think that whatever friendship you have, if you and the other party are completely there and make an extreme effort to keep the friendship going, it will remain, over many, many years

This song came up as I was writing it. During the first few years in Canada I listened to it often. And even now I still do.

FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER - MICHAEL W. SMITH

"Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter of 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

And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show

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(2x)

To live as friends

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

No a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends"

The phrase, 'friends are friends forever, when the Lord is the Lord of them,' often comes to mind. When I'm on the phone with friends or family. When I read their emails and letters, or when I write them. When I'm afraid of loosing them, or other friends that I have now and might move away, will move away.



The Lord has kept friendships I had in the past alive, and they still exist now! I am so blessed with many friends, but when I receive calls from friends far away, I feel a special touch, as if God tells me, 'I'm here for you, and will bless you with friends, no matter when, no matter where.'

I miss you my friends!
:)