Friends come in all ages, sizes, races, and professions. They rank on different levels in our lives, acquaintances, casual friends, good friends, and friends for life, who we call our best friends.
I love my friends, and I am blessed to have them. They come from all walks of life, and I am more thankful today for Every. Single. One. than I’ve ever been before.
Learning lessons the hard way can be an eye-opening experience. Like me, all our good intentions and silent thoughts about reciprocating active friendships go down the drain, while the should have’s and if only’s form a mountain of regret from inaction, especially when a tug pulls at your heart.
I lost a dear friend recently to a debilitating disease, Muscular Dystrophy. We grew up in the same neighborhood, went to school together, and even attended the same church throughout our childhood years. She was intelligent, witty, fun, compassionate, and loved the Lord with her whole heart.
She lived right around the corner from me, yet I found myself too busy to stop by or call her. I passed her house Thursday and felt a nudging to stop for a visit. But did I? No. I reasoned I could call when I got home.
The moment I drove into my drive, my attention shifted elsewhere. The fact is, I didn’t listen to the nudging of the Holy Spirit, and I neglected my responsibility to check on her and show my appreciation for our friendship. She died the next day.
Yes, I have regrets, but I learned a valuable lesson. “Do not take friendships for granted. You never know what a day will bring.”
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1 NKJV
A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17 NKJV
A man who has friends must himself be friendly. Proverbs 18:24 NKJV
It is my prayer that through this series on “Lessons Learned through Life Experiences,” we will experience a fresh and rewarding way of living life to its fullest.
Loretta
*Watch for more information about my debut Love Inspired Suspense novel, Pursued in the Wilderness, which releases on September 27, 2022. 
Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her husband, four children, and thirteen grandchildren. Her love of reading began during the required library time in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels. She left her eighteen-year admin position at her church to pursue the dream of writing. She has multiple short stories in anthologies, but her heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.
Loretta’s literary agent is Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
www.facebook.com/lorettaeidsonauthor
How true it is that we get caught up in the busyness of our lives and don’t immediately obey the Holy Spirit’s voice. I’m so sorry about your friend and have been where you are too many times to count. Blessings!
Thank you, Patricia! It is my prayer that we don’t allow busyness to replace friendships. I’m blessed to have you as a friend.
Loretta, this inspired me to call a friend who’s been on my mind lately. We all need reminders.
I’m glad my experience spoke to you, Beth. You’re right, we all need reminders. We just need them before we have to learn the hard way. Blessing to you, my friend.