That's right, you, each other and I.  Not some TV cast making over 3 million dollars each, per episode.  I'm talking about the real life friends.  Those of us who struggle every day to live life on life's terms, to be loyal, trustworthy, and committed to each other through the hurtful times as well as the joyful times.  To know all about each other and still love one another regardless of our opinions, belief systems or character defects.  To hold each other close to our hearts, respecting each person’s personalities even when that personality may invade our space. 

I wonder. Do you have friends like that?  Do you have at least one friend like that?  I have been a very blessed man over the years.  God has put some wonderful friendships in my life.  Most of which have been my friends for years.  Some of us have been extremely close, others simply good loyal relationships.  I have had what I considered "Best Friends" and I have had even better friends.  The point is they all have stood by me one time or another.

I must be honest and say that I have also been deeply hurt by those I thought were my closest friends, as well as hurt some very close friends myself.  In most every case reconciliation was granted, and we moved on to become even closer.  There have been a few that have turned their back on our friendship, but not for lack of loyalty or love.  They simply were not able to move beyond the hurt we had caused each other.  Those are the friends that I will always feel fortunate to have known. They have helped me to become a better friend to others.  I am truly blessed to have known them.

Sometimes we have to say goodbye to a close friend or friends for one reason or another, and that can rip our hearts out.  We think we will never survive the pain of saying goodbye, but then time passes and our bond with them remains even if we live far away and our chances of seeing each other again are slim.

I have some friends like that.  There are two that are always on my heart, and the memories of times gone by are filled with warmth that is unlike any other.

One such friend lives in Kennett Sq., Pa, and the other in Vermont.  Not exactly a stones throw from Lebanon, Oregon.  We keep in contact via the Internet, phone calls (when we can afford it) and through our prayers for each other.

They have seen me at my best and have known me at my worst.  They are remarkable people indeed.  Sometimes I long for their company and am able to refresh the spirit of our friendship by simply closing my eyes and praying that the Lord blesses and keeps them in His care.

Perhaps you don't feel you have friendships like that.  Be not discouraged.  There are still friends out there to be made.  If a person will take a risk, step out on faith and be a friend to the friendless, they will surly develop bonds that will last a lifetime.  Friendships can take a great deal of work to maintain. One has to be willing to go through some hard times to reach the most blessed times.  That’s how firm bonds are formed.  Having fun, laughing together, and all the good times in the world will not bond a friendship like the times of crisis.

Don't be afraid of the conflicts, welcome them. They can become part of the foundation that relationships are built upon.

Maybe you are one of those people who have never experienced a strain in your friendship with another.  But I'll bet you have seen each other through a crisis now and then.  Weather the crisis is with each other or in dealing with another area of ones life; friendships that survive the strain are rarely ever broken. 

One of my favorite songs is "Friends" by Michael W. Smith.  The chorus of the song is..................

Friends are friends forever if the Lords the Lord of them.

And a Friend will not say never, because the friendship will not end.

Though it's hard to let you go

Into the Fathers hands we know

That a lifetimes not to long to live as friends.

Do you have someone in your life that needs your forgiveness, or perhaps you need to ask him or her to forgive you?  Don't let fear keep you from renewing that relationship.  Is there someone for whom you were once close and you have lost contact with?  Now is the time for action.  Life is to short to miss out on what friendship has to offer.  If you don't try, you'll miss out on some of the greatest blessings life can offer you.  If you know the persons name, you can find almost anyone on the Internet.  And there are other ways to locate lost friends.  It just takes willingness.  Come on, put your pride aside and experience the fortune of friendship.

You can be one of these friends, but for real instead of in TV Land.

Take some time to see yourself as a true friend.

There are friends out there waiting for you.

MEDITORIAL:

It often takes years to bond with a friend that you can trust, love and consider a best friend.  But it may only take a careless word to destroy that friendship.