Two Thousand Minutes

When was the last time you said: "I really should call ______________?" Every once in a while there are certain people who come to mind that need to hear from us. No business to do, no specific issues to discuss, just a call to say "Hello, how are you?"

I thought about several people last night that I really should call, friends who are alone, who are going through tough times, who need a long-distance hug, who are related and with whom I haven't talked for a long time.

No excuses. I have two thousand "free" minutes on my phone plan every month anywhere in Canada and the US. I can call and talk for a long time with two thousand minutes.

This morning's verses reminded me of the value of friends who stay close, even when "close" isn't physical.

The "preacher" writes: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" —Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV.

Even when our friends are physically close, and in spite of all the modern conveniences, we still can't always manage to maintain contact with those who most need someone to encourage them, comfort them, or defend them. In the hustle and bustle of busy lives, there are always those who fall through our communication cracks. And often those who have "fallen" are those who most need us to help to pick them up.

Excuse me, gotta go make a call.