Friends Forever
Peggy and her lifelong friend, Marlene.
A few weeks ago, my friend, whom I have known since birth, died in a tragic accident. Our moms were best friends, so we shared everything in life. In fact, at six weeks old, I was at the hospital when she was born. We were propped up together in pictures before we could even roll over. I did not have a sister by birth, so she became my sister by circumstance and choice.
Since her passing, I have been consumed with memories of our shared childhood and who we became. When we were just months old, our families moved from Prosser to the farming community of Warden to start a new life. Without knowing anyone else in town, our families grew closer and shared every hardship and blessing.
Reflecting on my own life, I thought about Jesus' childhood. We don't know much about his childhood, but the Gospel of Luke gives an interesting account of something that occurred when Jesus was 12. Jesus was a boy who had earned his parent's confidence and trust, so Joseph and Mary relied on Jesus to act responsibly as they traveled home from the Passover festival. Upon their return, they realized Jesus was not with them. Out of great concern for their son’s safety, Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem to try and locate him.
After searching for three days, they found Jesus in the temple area. He was not playing with other boys, lost, or even scared to be alone. Instead, he was involved in serious discussions with some of the teachers of the law. Luke’s account says, “All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” Mary showed wisdom and self-control as she asked her son in verse 49, “Son, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought you anxiously." Jesus responded to his mother, asking, "Why did you seek me? Did you not know I must be about my father's business?”
I believe Luke included this amazing account of Jesus' childhood to show that this extraordinary family went through life experiences as any normal family does, with real feelings, emotions, and sometimes confusion felt by family members. Joseph and Mary witnessed Jesus' special gifts, and Jesus emerged with a greater grasp of God’s will for him.
My friend and I were around 12 years old when we were allowed to ride our bikes back and forth to see each other. Our farms were about five miles apart, so the bike ride took around 30 minutes. Before cell phones, our parents had to trust that we would make it safely. Thankfully, we never had a problem and always arrived on time, but the thought of a child missing for three days, like Jesus was in the temple, is unimaginable. Although Jesus never felt like he was missing but fulfilling his life’s purpose.
At that age, I don’t recall talking with my friend about our life purpose or how much Jesus loved us. We would have been playing on monkey bars, playing with our Barbies, swimming in an irrigation pond, and catching pollywogs. We were attending youth group but only for the social aspect. Cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus was not high on our priority list. Thankfully, over time we both understood how much Jesus loved us and made him a big part of our lives.
Our plan as kids was to live together forever in a camper on our farmland. Thankfully that dream was not realized, and we both went on to have productive, happy lives. It makes me laugh now that we thought that would be the life God had planned for us.
When I share the story of my friend and our lifelong friendship, some are amazed and can’t relate to the longevity except through a sibling or family member. She was my sister, and I can't remember when she wasn't a part of my life. We shared marriages, births, deaths, and many laughs. Accepting the reality that I won’t see her again in this lifetime has been difficult to grasp, but I hold onto the promise that death is not the end and we will be reunited.
Blessings,
Peggy Zumhofe
Executive Pastor
