Friendship's Heart

Most of us don't need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with. ~Robert Braul

Many of you know how Katie prayed for a friend and how her prayer was answered when Emily moved to Muncie. Emily was not only friends with Katie, but with her younger sister, Kayla, as well. These three have more memories together than you can imagine. (I've written about them here, here and here.)

It’s heartwarming to see Emily and Katie work to keep their closeness following Katie's marriage and move to North Carolina.  They’ve sent cards and gifts through the mail.  Texting and phone calls have helped. Katie flew home for Emily's graduation. And Kayla and Emily have flown to North Carolina a couple times. Then Emily got the idea to send Katie a webcam so they could Skype.  Nothing makes this mother smile like hearing them laughing together over Skype.

Kayla is still nearby, but with her being in high school and on the volleyball team, and Emily in college, getting together is difficult.  This semester Emily has practicum at a local school for part of the day on Wednesday and doesn’t go to Marion for classes. Last week while I was away, Emily called to discuss her Wednesday plans.  She picked up Kayla at school, they went to Family Book Store to pick out a Bible Study program, and began their first Bible Study that afternoon.

When I hung up my heart was ringing with the words, “I find no greater joy than my children walk in truth.” To know that these girls wanted to study the Bible was a joy to me. I know the icing on the cake for them would be to have Katie there with them, but she’s always there in their hearts.

Emily with Katie's son, Camden

One of the most important things we can 

do is to guide our children as their friendships are formed. Friends whose parents share your values and Biblical world view is important. One of the blessings God gave us along with Katie and Kayla is their parents. Mark and Eleanor have been such dear friends -- we have vacationed together, spent hours over dinner tables solving world problems, shopped while our guys set up an office in coffee shops and motels.  We've laughed, shared our hearts, and cried together. 

Today while watching these daughters of the King chat while we were driving to Berry Winkle (chosen Bible Study site for tonight), I entered the Throne Room and thanked my King for this blessing of friendship. I can see these girls when they are old and wearing purple, laughter sprinkled with “remember whens"conversation. I hope they take time to thank their King for this gift called friendship.

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