The Great Gift of Friendship

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas day I took some time to check email. It seems I was not the only one to do so. I did find a number of Christmas greetings…from both SMFs and PSKs as well! It was a treasure unexpected on what is usually such a busy day.

Two emails had Bible quotes in honor of the day. Both were perfect reminders of the season of Christmas.

Remember the Reason for the Season.  Luke 2:8-14.  

Luke 2:8-14

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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'Friends are God's way of taking care of us.' Psalm 55:22

Psalm 55:22

New International Version (NIV)

 ²² Cast your cares on the LORD 
   and he will sustain you; 
he will never let 
   the righteous be shaken.

There has been another email going about this past week that most of the SMFs have filled out…a fun outline of our lives, checking off what we have done and what we may have in common. The one thing we all have in common is catching snowflakes on our tongue. It appears to be two thumbs up for this favorite winter activity! It’s something for all of us, regardless of age, as it brings out the inner child. As it turned out, we did have the small miracle of a few flakes of snow for a temporary white Christmas. I immediately ran outside with my camera for proof of snow. While there, I managed to catch a single flake on my tongue…..my first of this season.

It would seem that the greatest gift of all is the sharing with each other of our friendship over the years. The emails are evidence of friendship shared from grammar school, now continuing since out latest reunion. Christmas gifts come and go with the wrappings, papers and bows; but, the gift of friendship as seen today through our emails is living within our hearts and has obviously flourished over the years.

Cathy

Photos: my proof of Christmas snow