REFLECTIONS
July 17, 2011
 
 
"Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’"
1 Samuel 20:42
 
 
Bouquet of Friendship
 
The occasion was the celebration of a life that had once bloomed among us. The gathering included only a few although hundreds of friendships had been formed through the years. But the bond of this bouquet of friendship had been deep, strong, and lasting.
It all began in a small church many years ago. We were four budding young couples back then, building our lives and rearing our children. That is what we had in common and that is what bonded us then. Together we nurtured our families and tackled financial difficulties to provide for them. The early years were filled with fun times like playing on the church softball team, friendly competitions between us on the golf course, and occasional backyard cookouts. Later years introduced new challenges as our energy slowed and our bodies weakened.
George Adams had been a part of it all. He was our dear friend, a bloom in our bouquet of friends that time had scattered but had never distanced. For more than 45 years we traveled through this world with George as a part of our lives. His quiet demeanor, quick smile, and warm heart were endearing to everyone who knew him. To us, he was a bit like a cuddly Teddy bear—a faithful friend, always there to share in the joys of life and to offer comfort when things didn’t work out so well.
Sundays were special to George, and he especially looked forward to early morning communion services. That’s when he really felt close to his Lord. His unwavering faith in Jesus Christ served as an example to us all.
So that day our bouquet of friends gathered in a final tribute with George warmly instilled in our memories. For him the journey through this world has ended, but the blooms of that bouquet of friendship formed so many years ago are still vibrant, strong, and beautiful. And one day we will all join him in our heavenly home. There we will find George sharing the joys of heaven with everyone around him just as he always shared the joys of life with all of us.
 
You are the light of the world,
RichardÌ


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