Reconnecting with Old Friends

When I began researching my family history, I interviewed my grandparents in-depth to learn more about their life and experiences. My Papa told me about his years in the Army. There were many stories about one friend he had. With the invention of the internet I decided to search for this old military buddy. We called and after fifty years apart, the two old friends were able to talk once again. Recently my brother was asking about this old friend. I did a little research and discovered the man died shortly after that conversation with Papa.

It reminded me of how quickly time passes. We often mean to call a friend and reconnect but life gets in the way. It is so easy to put things off for another day, but eventually we’ve run out of time.

You can contact an old friend just to:
–say a quick hello
–reconnect
–apologize

Maybe you have a friend from high school or college you’ve not seen in years or a neighbor that moved away or a co-worker that was promoted.

Some friends will be thrilled to hear from you and others might be surprised or distant. Only you can judge the reception and how to proceed.

How can you reconnect?
–Pick up the phone {I know it’s scary}
–Share what’s on your heart
–Make plans to meet for lunch
–Give your undivided attention
–Take it from there

Beware that not everyone will want to reconnect. There are also certain people in your life it might be best not to reconnect with. Only you can decide and I ask that you please use wise judgment. If a person was a trouble maker, abusive, made you uncomfortable or caused too much mischief, it’s best to let bygones be bygones. We all have some of those in our life.

We all need friends. Don’t forget your ultimate friend. The one that will love you regardless and stand by you no matter how difficult your situation. That friend is the one that died on the cross for you. Even while he walked on the earth, Jesus needed and was surrounded by friends. He had the 12 disciples, Mary Magdalene, Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha as close friends just to name a few. Romans 12:10 tells us to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor.”

Giving Papa the chance to talk with his old Army buddy one last time meant a lot to him. Now that he’s gone, I’m glad I was able to do something special for him and it also brought back a lot of memories I would have never heard otherwise.

Is there someone in your life you’d like to reconnect with? Who do you need to extend brotherly affection?