Disposable Friendships

“Wow! Class of 2008, we came, we saw, we conquered! All of us have truly been through so much. But, we survived. As we enter into the next chapter of our lives, we must always remember that life will still be tough. We can handle it though. In fact, I say, “Bring it… I’m ready!” To all my friends, I love you very much. I thank God for all the years He let me spend with you. I will never forget you.”

I woke up in the middle of the night to find these words left on our computer screen. They’re the words of my daughter who is graduating next year. The words “I will never forget you” really struck a chord with me. Growing up as a “Baby Boomer”, if the television, VCR, air conditioner, or any other household item stopped working, we would bring that item to a place for repair. Now those very items are so inexpensive that it’s much easier to simply dispose of them.

Disposal may be ok when it comes to items, but far too often it seems to occur when it comes to the people in our lives, and particularly very close friends. Sure stuff happens, people grow apart, etc., etc. However, too many times our friendships seem to have become disposable. We no longer play on the same team, go to the same school, live in the same area, work at the same job, or have children in the same place. Stuff happens!

Yet I believe that there are some God-given friendships that really were meant to be BFF (Best Friends Forever) that we simply dispose of because they are far more costly to repair or maintain (like an automobile) than to simply go and get a new one. And yes, at times it will take a lot of work to maintain such friendships, but the rewards will be well worth it.

A month ago I received an e-mail from my college friend’s 25-year-old son whose lifelong dream is to become an actor. In the e-mail he attached a picture of himself at the premiere of the movie “American Gangster”, which starred Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington. It was a “red carpet” affair and he was invited to participate though he had a very small role. He affectionately calls me “Uncle B” and I could not have been more proud of him for achieving his dream if he were my own child. Furthermore, I was able to share in his accomplishment because his dad and I worked hard to maintain our friendship. This allowed me to be a positive influence his son’s life though we live hundreds of miles apart.

Proverbs 18:24 states “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (New King James Version) As the holiday season approaches, I challenge you to look at your life and see if there are any friendships—good friendships—that may have been disposed of. Then find that person’s phone number or e-mail address. Give them a call or send them a message. For there are some people in your life of whom it should be said “I will never forget you”.

I invite your thoughts.