A Farewell to Old Friends – October 17, 1999
What is this marvelous gift we call friendship? We say hello, we welcome or are welcomed, we chat, we become acquainted. Something draws us together. Most often, our closest friendships are harmonized in a symphony of shared tasks, goals, service. We struggle with problems together, we raise children in the same parks, backyards, family rooms, and churches. We serve on committees together, and we share tools, talents, and troubles. We sing together, play games together, pray together, weep together. And liking grows to love. Then, too soon a new job, new house, or new opportunity arises, and it’s time to pack the boxes and hug the hugs. It’s time to say good-bye.
The moving van pulls out of the driveway. Waving frantically, we watch it head down the street. And now, for the first time, we sense the breadth and depth of the hole their going will leave in our lives. As the emptiness settles, we think, “What now?” How do we honor friendship when it’s time to say good-bye? By continuing the things that led to friendship.
Service together leads to the closest personal bonds. Two women met together every day for a month, discussing ways to improve a neighborhood park. Their meetings led to a cherished friendship. When one of the women moved, the one who remained was tempted to let the park project go. But she realized that the park was still inadequate, and their efforts to improve it needed to continue. Her letters to her departed friend were filled with details of their shared project, and the closeness of friendship continued, though distance separated them.
Friendships are most enduring when built on a foundation of service. As we work together, strive together, weep together, sing together, the great song of friendship will become a swelling chorus of hearts touched, service given, and lives changed.
Program #3661