A good friend of 14 years leaves town this week, moving to College Station. We’ve been through so much together: the births of our youngest kids, Megan’s death, his divorce. And then we stood vigil side-by-side in pedi-ICU at Cook’s, praying that our sons would be all right after the wreck. We’ve had hundreds of meals and thousands of laughs–along with not-a-few bad times, as well.
It’s the nature of life in Abilene and probably everywhere. You don’t lose the friends, exactly; but they’re not right there.
Still, as I think of those who’ve left, I’m thankful for e-mail, phone calls, and visits to Abilene buddies who’ve moved to Malibu, Baton Rouge, Arkansas, Dallas, Houston, North Carolina, Seattle, and many other places.
It must be how our closest friends in Searcy felt when we left. Only with a couple of those families have we maintained really close connections, though we still feel great love for many others.
It is the nature of our mobile society, isn’t it? Children marry and move. Friends lose jobs, change jobs, remarry, or pursue further education.
“Make new friends but keep the others.” How true.
Mike, it just makes me long for Heaven even more. Or at least that’s my concept of Heaven–being able to finally spend plenty of time visiting, while at the same time continuously praising God.
For many in Searcy you are STILL “our” preacher!
The legend of Argos waiting on Odysseus resonates with us big time! So, when are you coming home? There are two empty pulpits in Searcy at present. But, we love the Cope’s no matter where you all are…..and we are confident God is using you for His glory.
DU
Mike, we’re walking the same path today. My dearest friend and co-minister in the SPFM left for to move into her new and advanced position in the Metroplex. In six months her firm will be opening a new facility in Texarkana and she’ll be going down there as, I believe, district manager at that new facility. Great opportunity for her, but personally devastating! I agree with SS, how I long for Heaven and no more tears, no more separations, no more goodbyes, just God-Praising time with loved ones.
I’m so happy you’re back this Sunday!! How you have been missed!!!
Mike,
This dear friend of yours has been a blessing in so many lives! He will be missed by many. My prayer for you today is that God would be close to you and yours as you say “goodbye”. Be blessed.
I love what Landon Saunders said about heaven (appropriate for occasions when we long for opportunities to talk with friends and family)…”The problem with earth is that there’s no time. The beauty of heaven is that there’s no time.”
The measure of a man is by how many friends he has.
You are a rich man Mike.
It is my prayer your friend will make new friends and fit in quickly in College Station.
I’m not convinced that a mobile society is the kind of world that God wanted for us humans.
Mike -
Years ago, i had a best friend - your son Matt. I haven’t seen him in years and just appreciate things you say about him all the time. He was a class act and i’m sure he still is. Tell him i said hey please! and if you can, give me his email (mine is reesdjones_21@hotmail.com). Thanks!
Rees
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Take care…
J.Zen
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