July 17, 2013 WBAS Topics Prayer, WBAS Cat Prayers & Reflections, REL Asset - Prayer Card
By: Kathy Hendricks
One of the most thrilling days of my life was when I took off for London to meet up with my best friend, Stephanie. We had just graduated from high school and her father, a travel agent, was leading an alumnae group on a whirlwind tour of Europe and taking us with them. Stephanie and her mother had gone to Ireland, their native country, a few weeks earlier and I anticipated our reunion as much as my first trip abroad. We were the perfect age to be traveling in such fashion – supervised enough by her parents to be safe, but old enough to venture out on our own.
While my memories of the European trip are golden, even more so are the many other experiences Stephanie and I shared together. We met in fifth grade, when she was the new kid in the class to whom I took an instant liking. Before long we were inseparable. We spent countless nights at each other’s homes, talking late into the night about boys and Beatles and our dreams for the future. We devised mystery games for each other that involved creeping around our mothers’ gardens in the dark. On one occasion we ended up on the roof of her home, talking under the light of a full moon. Many years have gone by and our lives parted for way too many of them. Reuniting with her has been a grace beyond measure and an affirmation of the little verse;
Make new friends
But keep the old.
One is silver
And the other's gold
With World Youth Day about to convene in Rio de Janeiro, I wonder how many participants are anticipating the time with friends as much as the event itself. It’s bound to be a life-changer as they travel to a distant place and meet up with new people from across the globe. The events laced with song, prayer, and discussion are likely to bring their faith to a new level of depth and devotion. For those blessed to share such an experience with a friend, they may forge a bond that lasts a lifetime. What a treasured memory it will be years from now, as they savor the gift of friendship with others and with God who remains a faithful friend for life.
Bright Ideas
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Share a story with your family or class about a friendship you have cherished over a lifetime. What has it taught you about God’s love and faithfulness?
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Learn more about the events of World Youth Day and pray for the well-being of all those in attendance.
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Download my Prayer for Friendship and use it in your parish or home.