June 26, 2010
 
DEVOTION: Friends Forever
 
By Beth Bondurant
 
It doesn't seem possible that work camp has so quickly ended... yet it's time to "pack up" and go our separate ways. Being together... working together... living together... praying together... sharing together teaches the meaning of being "friends forever".
 
The Master Carpenter was said to have been "a friend of tax collectors and sinners". Nothing makes us ineligible for receiving God's hand of friendship. In the muddy jobs and endless heat, we find God's faithful Spirit bonding us in the "giving of self ... giving of love".
 
"The greatest love one can have for a friend is to give one's life for them. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is what I command you: love one another."
 
Stiff muscles and sore backs will fade into the past... but the love...laughter and light we experience from one another will last forever...strengthening our heart, mind, body and spirit in our recollection of work camp friends forever.
 
No job we ever do will be perfect... no project or procedure will be without glitches and even painful ordeals... no decision will be flawless... no improvement impeccable... but the bond of friendship in work and worship unites us in unconditional and everlasting love.
 
"Take... Eat... This is my body broken for you." God's gift of sacrificial love will be a constant reminder of the words of our Lord... "you are my friends".
 
We don't always think alike... talk alike... dress alike... sing alike... pray alike... work alike but because of God's love in us... we become God's friend and this draws us into the circle of life and love that never ends.
 
May the circle be unbroken as we depart in every direction... going out into the world to witness to the presence of God with us... in us and through us.
 
As our bodies heal from the tiring tasks at hand... may our spirits soar to new heights of possibility in becoming God's close friends ... forever.
 
O God... thank you for the opportunity to "seize the days" we have had together and become "united" in faithful service. Forgive us for imperfection and doubt; hesitation and impatience; overzealous control; impetuous judgement and help us fall into your redeeming hands as we break away for our next "calling". Each and every new day we walk hand in hand with you... what more could we ask and what better friend could we have. Thanks be to God for...friends forever.