Listen to Buds- She Said

But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Romans 15:23-24

They’re so far away. Friday Harbor, WA, California, Raleigh, St. Louis and Nashville—the miles are great and I miss them so much. They’re wonderful friends—“buds” I trust completely with every part of my life; upright Christians who offer me guidance and direction, but life’s adventures have pulled us away…far away.

Unfortunately, the miles prevent us from developing valued memories. We love one another dearly, but we’re unable to be a daily active part of each other’s life. My toe pressed into the dirt as I pushed the swing and I longed to share the restfulness of the squeak of the swing and the ripple pond with my friends. I missed them.

Paul missed Rome. His home, his friends and family were there, but the work of God, the adventure of Christ took him away…far away. Though the miles separate me and my friends, technology allows us to visit with one another at a moment’s notice. Paul didn’t have that luxury. He simply hoped for an opportunity to visit with them as he passed through; maybe have them help him in his journey, pray for him, support his efforts.

I remember a time when the adventure of the world waited for me. Answering the call meant step out to follow the path; placing distance between my friends. I know I’m always welcome in their homes, by their ponds…in their lives. Paul was welcomed by his friends too, and that was respite for him as he served God in unfriendly places.

God has blessed me with faithful friends. When we’re laughing together, lifting one another before Christ, He too, smiles. He reaches His arm around us and pulls us close and blesses the ties and connections He, Himself has made. God longs for me to visit Him as well, stay in touch, enjoy His company as I pass through this life. He desires my company.

When the miles separate you from your buds, from the Father who created you, slow down. Take time to reconnect, enjoy their company. God blesses time with friends…with Him. Renew your time with Him.

Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and cofounders of ChristianDevotions.us. They cowrite the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host BlogtalkRadio’s Christian Devotions Speak UP! along with Scott McCausey.

And now you can catch them each Friday evening at 7 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio! (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ). They travel with Christian Devotions Ministries teaching the art of writing devotions at writers conferences across the country. Eddie and Cindy are featured in Faith & FINANCES: In God We Trust – A Journey to Financial Dependence. Read Cindy’s devotions.