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3 Reasons to Visit Your Old Friends
I was back in my hometown for the county fair this week. I purchased a booth space in the fairgrounds commercial building to promote The Story Farm. Since the building was only open in the evening I spent some of my mornings and afternoons attending the swine show (of course) and visiting the barns and exhibits.
The best part of the week has been visiting with old friends. I’m not talking about ancient ones from previous generations, although I did meet and visit with some of those. I’m talking about the people who were kids when I was a kid. I’ve really enjoyed those conversations, and I realized that I should probably make a point to have these visits more often, and here’s three reasons why:
1. Visit your old friends for the memories
But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you; 1 Thessalonians 3:6*
I traffic in memories. Read The Story Farm, it’s a book of memories. When I visit with old friends, we inevitably spend some time reminiscing about “the old days.” Some times that results in lots of laughter, other times it sobers us as we discuss those who aren’t around anymore.
The shared memories connect us and make us more open to deeper communication. And the stories about events you forgot will reopen insights into who you are. They may also remind you of how far you have come and why you don’t want to go backward.
It’s not unusual for memories to resurface temptations that you have worked hard to overcome. It is a great danger, and I’m not suggesting that you go back to the types of people and places that were a snare. Use wisdom and renew your trust and gratitude to God for His deliverance.
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26
However, an old friend’s memories can reinforce the good that God has done in you. Even old friends that seem to have not grown past the adolescence you shared will spark memories that speak to your life. Don’t despise memories just because they are hard. But don’t let them control you with unjust longing or unforgiveness.
2. Visit your old friends because it may humble you
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Ask your friend what they’ve been up to, and they will give vague answers that don’t really explain who they have become. But after some reminiscing, ask them to tell you the story of their life since you were kids. You will hear some very enlightening lessons.
I am humbled by my friends’ success stories, because I remember that we were “knuckleheads” together.
My friends’ failures and averageness humble me, too. There’s usually not much difference between them and me, and I can’t claim any credit for those differences. It’s the grace of God.
So events like fair week and class reunions can humble you, if you let them, and that’s a good thing.
3. Visit your old friends because it may bless you
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend. Proverbs 27:9
I have some very successful old friends. I won’t compare myself to them because every person is unique. I like to enjoy their stories of success. The variety of where we each went with our lives makes me think nothing is impossible.
I really enjoy hearing how God has worked in my friends’ lives. If we can open the door past the pleasant and entertaining stories, I love to get into how He is working on a heart level. That’s where the blessings are. Telling and hearing how He has worked brings glory to Him.
They will utter the memory of your great goodness, and will sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7
I ran into an old school mate a few years ago and found out he had been serving the Lord most of our adult lives. I was blessed to know that I wasn’t the only knucklehead from our class that He had called out of darkness. (1 Peter 2:9) It made me thankful for His grace and mercy.
Some of my old friends have had difficult lives. Some have lost spouses or children or grandchildren. Some have severe health issues. And yet, God has brought them through, or is taking them through, whether they acknowledge it or not. It blesses me to recognize His care for them and for me.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6 -7
So look for those old friends when you go back home. Don’t spend time with them when you should be with family, but take the time to reconnect. Their memories and stories may humble and bless you.
By His calling, in His strength,
Dean
*All Scripture quotations in this article are from the World English Bible (WEB).
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