My different friends

Today is the National Family Day, where several companies released their staffs earlier for them to have dinners with their families. But I wonder, whoever set the date for such a meaningful event ever anticipated that the 1st day of the Great Singapore Sale would also fall on the same day? And how many people would actually make use of such an opportunity to go for early shopping rather than having dinner with their families?

Haha...You don't have to look around, because I am one of those, who went straight to Orchard after work. However, I do have a very valid reason, I was to meet a dear friend, who initiated to have dinner with me. ( I must have meant a lot to her as she also sacrificed the meaningful day to spend her precious time with me.) She has meant it to be an early birthday treat for me, at the same time, trying to find out what she could get for me as a gift. Perhaps she doesn't know that the time we spent together over meal and the "full of nuts" mudpie would be the best gift she has prepared for me, she has given me her time, a part of her life.

I remembered a few years ago, during my final term in the university, when everyone was rushing for their theses, my dad was in hospital. He passed away about 2 to 3 weeks before the submission date for my thesis. It was a very difficult time, in the midst of sorrow and grief, I was to prepare for my thesis submission. Yet, I can never ever, and will never forget those dear friends I have. To mention a few, my studio peers, who were also in their final race with time to finish up their theses, came to offer their condolences, perhaps they never knew that meant a lot to me, even now as I looked back, thanks pals... Also those bunch of beloved friends, who came late at night with supper (chicken wings and what else?), thanks, you never knew what those little acts meant to me, even now.

Anyway, what was I trying to say? In life, paths meet, relationships form. There are different types of friends, and I appreciate them all, all that cross my path in life now, in the past and those that will cross in the future. There are friends who can bring you joy. There are friends you want to have fun with. There are friends you wish they are there to share the moment when you see something beautiful that touches your heart. There are friends who you turn to and know that they will always be there for you and offer a listening ear. There are friends who will always have a special place in your heart even if they are afar off, though you may not see them for years. There are friends that reminds you of a sweet memory. There are friends who went through thick and thin with you. There are friends you can always trust to offer you a sound advice in time of need. There are friends whose wisdom you depend on. Friends...a Gift from above.

And do you know that, all these attributes of friends are all found in one True Friend that never leaves you nor forsake you, who stay by you forever and forever, even when you disappoint Him, turn away from Him, yet He never let you go... Yet friends, do you all know that each of you shine forth unknowingly some of His attributes in your lives towards me? Thanks, friends, THANKS.