The Gift of Friendship
I have long been thankful for the many good—and I mean really good —friends my wife and I have. We regard each one as a gift and blessing from God, “the giver of every good and perfect gift” (Jas. 1:17). And surely, friendship is one of his greatest gifts. Solomon says, “A friend loves at all times” (Prov. 17:17). Even in adversity. Some stick closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24). The Lord has given us many friends like this. Since we first received the diagnosis (August 5) that Melinda’s cancer had returned, and were given a none too hopeful prognosis, we have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of love from our friends. We have shed plenty of tears along the way, but not all of them have been sorrowful. Early on, during a trip home from the oncologist, I heard Melinda’s phone go off. As she read the text, she began to cry. I asked her if everything was okay. She handed me her pho...