Let me tell you about a special person. This person is loyal, loving, fun-spirited and generous. Also supportive and caring... especially when I need it most. She offers great advice and is always truthful. This person challenges me to grow and motivates me to be a better person. Her faith is strong and is a great example of ALL good things. I met her when I was about 2 or 3 years old. And for the last 30 years, I have had the privilege of calling her my best friend. And as you can image during those 30 years, we’ve been through a lot together. To give you an idea, let me share a couple of the things we did… Building snow forts, rolling down the hill, jumping in piles of leaves, and climbing trees! And who could forget spending countless summers playing tennis and watching Days of Our Lives, eating your mom’s delicious lunches and hanging out at the lake. Don’t forget the many sleepovers, birthday parties, staying up late and screaming out your bedroom window… as well as Photoshoots in your bedroom, school dances, football games and AOK. That’s only the first half. Then there was a couple moves, a couple break ups, the college separation, and all the changes that come with growing up and growing older. I could go on and on and on… and for now… I’ll take a break. ;) When I sit and think about my friendship with this special person, I can’t help but thank God for such a wonderful gift. It’s amazing to think that God knew I would need this person in my life – for many reasons. And looking back at all of the experiences, ups and downs we’ve been through, I realize now that you are more than just a friend, you are a sister… a sister in Christ. And there is a difference between friend and sister… A true friend is always loyal and a brother is born ~ Proverbs 17:17 So a friend is dedicated until the end. There is consistency throughout the relationship. A sister is literally born especially to help, support, provide, give… and so much more… in times of need. Specific times of need. In addition, Solomon also explains in Proverbs that… There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~ Proverbs 18:24 And just as Solomon explains in this verse, you are a friend, a sister and therefore closer to me than most. Your existence in my life is truly beyond measure. Do you remember when we did that silly little chant and hand motion… “sister, sister, sister L”… Funny how we called each other sisters even when we were young. I always thought of you as a sister, but it wasn’t until I read Proverbs that I realized how true it was. And therefore, how blessed I am. When I found out you were moving, I was scared of losing.
Losing a friend. Now, I feel more reassured and confident God will continue to bless our friendship and open doors for us when we need it. You see, the chapter of 1 Samuel describes the close relationship between Jonathan and David. It was a complicated and somewhat messy situation, but they were bound by Christ. Because they were aware of their godly friendship, they promised to each other that they would always love each other just as Christ loves. Which we are reminded of in 1 Corinthians 13:7 “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” In other words, if you love someone – as Christ loves – you will be loyal to {her}, no matter the cost. You will always believe in {her}. Always expect the best of {her}, encourage {her} and always stand your ground in defending {her}. I know that I have not always been this kind of friend to you and for that I ask for forgiveness. And as we step into the next part of our journey as friends (and sisters), I promise to love you as Christ loves. I was there by your side when you said I do, I was there to see you bring 3 little one’s into this world, and there is no doubt I will be with you until the end! Thank you for your friendship, my dear! May God guide you and your family during the move and help you to grow in your walk with Him, through this new adventure.
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