By: Hettie Basil Lighttower
Treasures….. one is silver and the other is gold. I’m talking about friendship! Are you mature enough to remember that old song that is sung in a round? Do you know what it means to sing in a round? Let’s start with that. A round is when one person or part of the group starts the song off and then the second person or other part of the group starts off after the first person or group gets so far into the song. As they sing having started at different times on the same song, harmony can be heard naturally and although you are hearing all the words at one time of different phrases simultaneously, it is very melodious, fun and a great concentration practice or challenge. And you sing it three or four times.
The song is short and simple and gets repeated while the voices are dancing together on the different phrases. Here, I will sing it for you…… “Make new friends, but keep the o-o—old! One is silver and the other gold….”. Did you like that? Now this time, I will start out and then YOU come in singing once I get to “but keep the o-o—old”! Beautiful! That was fun, wasn’t it? I loved that song as a kid and I still love it. Rounds are great ways to create participation and make memories with kids in camps or clubs or parties. There are several little songs that do well in a round. I remember getting lost in the words and stumbling to catch up with where I was supposed to be in the song, and giggling, trying to focus and connecting with the others having the same struggle. It was in 4-H camp. I am still friends with some of those girls. It was a bonding moment.
I didn’t fully understand the meaning of the song. I was just a kid. But I loved making friends and singing so it was a great time of my life. Now, flash forward 45 plus years later…. I have been to many group settings, schools, work settings and I have met friends in all those places. And I can truly say, it has been great to make new friends. I just recently made a new friend and she is wonderful, a new business partner even! And I treasure my old friends, for they were there through many a trial and error! A couple know where all the bones are buried! Lol! Where all the tears were shed, where all the growing pains took place.
It’s up to you to decide which is silver and which is gold. Both are valuable. Both very important though they have different chemical make up, luster and shine. Perhaps you have friends for different reasons. Some are in your church family, others are in your neighborhood. Who was the first friend you made in school? I remember my very first friend. Her name was Lisa Whitlatch. We met in kindergarten. Then in middle school we were in separate classes and I made new friends that came from different schools. Sometimes cousins are your friends, or other relatives, or teachers. I value everyone of them. And to this day I am in contact with 100’s who have touched my life and been there for me and I for them!
I heard a phrase once and I took it to heart. “In order to have a friend, you have to BE a friend”. When was the last time, you made efforts to be a friend? Maybe someone you know just needs a simple phone call or card from you. Maybe someone is wanting to reach out to you but doesn’t want to intrude in your schedule….show them how important they are to you. Take that minute to be the friend and get the love flowing. As we get older we naturally lose friends. I attended five funerals of friends in the last two weeks. Things happen and people pass on. But, be reassured that any time you sit in the memory of your good times shared, and feel the feelings of being with them, or the feeling of laughing with them, they are right there with you again, just like old times. That’s the great thing about memories. Memories are full of love. Love is the tie that binds and blessed be the tie that binds. No one can ever take that from you. And you don’t have to miss them so much. Sit quietly and you can hear their voice. A friend is a friend forever!
I recently attended a birthday party for a 95 year old friend! And I have recently made a new friend who is 90 years old. I am in my 50’s. Are you open to making friends? They really can be treasures in our life. I hope this week you will consider reaching out or rekindling an old friendship and also open to making a new friendship. They don’t have to be your age. They could be older or younger. You could be a friend to your grandchild, or a niece or nephew. Follow your hearts and the love path and see what silver or gold you discover. Thank you for singing with me.
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