A lifetime's not too long...

I resisted the Facebook madness for a long time…until some friends here finally convinced me it was time to enter the modern world. I have to admit—it’s pretty fun. Not only does it help me feel connected to folks all over, but it’s also reconnected me to some dear people from my past. One of the best surprises was when Karen, a friend from Concordia Choir Camp, found me! It had been years and years…though I think of our mid-winter sleepover reunion in her family’s living room every time I watch A Princess Bride! Last night, Karen messaged to say they started a ‘group’ on Facebook…and the pictures are just hilarious! Wow. The hair. The frosty lipstick. The totally 80’s clothes. It was also fun to see the program and recall so many of the pieces. I had forgotten that the concert always ended with the hymn ‘Now Rest Beneath Night’s Shadow’—which was nearly impossible for us to get all the way through with everyone choking up and tears starting to flow. (Even though you’d think we’d be cried out from the night before where we’d listen to the Michael W. Smith classic ‘Friends’ song over and over and over again.)

Packing up the dreams God planted

In the fertile soil of you

Can't believe the hopes He's granted

Means a chapter in your life is through

But we'll keep you close as always

It won't even seem you've gone

'Cause our hearts in big and small ways

Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever

If the Lord's the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never

'Cause the welcome will not end

Though it's hard to let you go

In the Father's hands we know

That a lifetime's not too long

to live as friends.

With the faith and love God's given

Springing from the hope we know

We will pray the joy you'll live in

Is the strength that now you show

But we'll keep you close as always

It won't even seem you've gone

'Cause our hearts in big and small ways

Will keep the love that keeps us strong

Can’t lie…this song choked me up even right now. It’s as true in 2008 as it was in 1988. (Stop laughing those of you who were barely born in 1988!)