Engage

It’s worth it!

I’m looking forward to a long drive today with three old friends. We ministered and travelled together for several years and haven’t seen each other for quite a while. Our catching up will be full of laughter, emotion, and likely even some tears.


I’m looking forward to a long drive today with three old friends. We ministered and travelled together for several years and haven’t seen each other for quite a while. Our catching up will be full of laughter, emotion, and likely even some tears.

Recently when I opined that it “takes a long time to make old friends,” another friend suggested that “sometimes we are too old to make old friends.” Not sure if I agree with that or not, but I am certain that sharing memories of meaningful times with like-minded friends refreshes and renews my soul.

For many years I kept this ancient proverb, author unknown, posted on my kitchen window sill:

“A friend is one to whom you can pour out the contents of your heart, chaff and wheat together, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness, blow the chaff away.”

I think the explosion of social media represents our younger generation reaching out for connection with others, desiring authentic relationships. In these days of over busy schedules and hurried conversations, Solomon would admonish us to slow down and enjoy one another. He reminds us that “two are better than one and a threefold cord is not easily broken.” Ecc. 4:9-12 Two things last forever: people and the word of God. Love lasts.

Is there a friend that came to mind as you read this blog? How about slowing down and connecting with them today. It’s worth it.

Gwynne Johnson currently serves on the Board of Entrust, Inc., an international education and training mission where she authored the Entrust curriculum, Developing a Discerning Heart. She recently served as Co-Chair of the training project, Christian Women in Partnership, Russia and as Senior Director of Women's Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Gwynne has a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Huntsville, Texas with her husband of 58 years, Don. She works part-time in her daughter and granddaughter's bakery "The Best Box Ever," where she gets paid in cookies.

One Comment

  • Dianne Miller

    you are that friend

    Gwynne, what good reminders of lasting friendships: it takes investment- time and care. You are that good friend for me that I so enjoy being with and picking up whenever : what we have already invested and nurtured over the years,  and yet, I  hope that we can all our lives make new friends that have the possibilitiy of becoming really good friends, love you Dianne