Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

Comrades There Through Everything

“Friends are most important of all.”

Mentor Mr. Morrison analyzed life and prophesized at his 88th birthday party Friday night.

A simple comment yet so very true and essential to everything living.

An even two handfuls of friends and family, insisted by honoree as friends, too, gathered in celebration of the life with seemingly countless friendships.

As reflection of lifetime dedicated service work, not infrequently burdened by loss and discouragement, friends made light always show through.

Unceasing faith essential, friend’s there in the hardest, darkest, heaviest losses, and also most glorious times to keep moving forward.

Friendship is a relationship of affection, compassion, empathy, honesty, mutual understanding, responsiveness, sympathy, trust, unselfishness.

Ability to be oneself, express one’s feeling and make mistakes without fear of judgement make true friends.

Enjoying each other’s company, friends come in many forms, varying from place to place.

There is no practical limit on what types can form a friendship. Yet, friends tend to share common backgrounds, occupations, often similar interests.

This expands to horses, dogs, other inhumane friends, too.

Importantly, people with close friends are happier.

Our grocery store customer, Sunday School teacher, vo-ag teacher, horse buyer, training client, confidant, lifetime advisor, go-to-for-whatever, one of the very best friends ever possible verified.

Friends are from every phase of life, every walk of life, every direction of life. Students, spouses, children, step-children, grandchildren, coworkers, partners, employees, neighbors, families on every side of relationships, faculty, administrators, business affiliates, the list seemingly unending.

Most adamantly insisted, friends must be encouraged in every way. Stand at their side, faithful in every situation, the worst, the best, the most unimaginable.

Difficult, but essential when friends do wrong, forgiveness must be given without remorse.

Hardest of all likely is when one personally does injustice to a friend. Be it intentionally, by mistake, misunderstanding, whatever the reasoning.

“You must admit whenever you’ve done wrong to a friend. It’s hard to do. I’ve had to do it. You become a better person, your friendship is strengthened,” our friend contended.

Reminds us of Proverbs 18:24: “A true, loving friend is reliable and sticks closer than a brother.” So, Job 6:14: “When all else fails, their friends stick with them.” Thus, Second Samuel 1:26: “Your friendship was a miracle-wonder, love far exceeding anything I’ve known, or ever hope to know.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

X–38–9-18-16

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