What comes in many shapes and colors, is worth more than diamonds and just as rare? Many answers may come to mind, but I am thinking of a true, lifelong friend. I have been fortunate in this life to call many my friend, and for this I’m grateful.

Sometimes people are thrown together because of circumstances. I’ve met folks along the way and become acquainted with them in large part because our paths happened to cross. When my boys were playing baseball, I made friends with the other parents. Were we really friends? Yes, we were, but I lost touch with most of them after our boys’ baseball careers waned.

It’s always fun to bump into an old friend from the ball field and catch up on what’s been happening since we last spoke. That is one of the beauties of living in a small town, but some would disagree. They assert that nothing is private in a small Southern town, and they would have a point.

Of course, we all have our friends from school. How exciting it is to catch up with old buddies from high school! Facebook and other forms of social media make it easier to keep in touch with folks around the world. The Bible says to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. In a small way, social media allows us to share in the joys and sorrows of our far away friends.

Then there are church friends, club friends, and neighborhood friends. The list goes on and on, especially if you’re an extrovert. The secret to making friends, I believe, is to treat every person as someone worthy of acknowledgement. What does a friendly smile and hello cost? To someone having a tough time, it may be just the thing that makes the day a little brighter for them.

Today, I had lunch with a special friend. Her name is Anne, and she is more like a sister to me really. I remember well all the crazy things we did together during our teenage years. We know enough to write each other’s story, even the chapters that don’t need to be in print.

No matter what occurs in this life, I can always count on Anne to be in my corner. Some friends come and go depending upon situation or location, but not Anne.

We all need at least one true blue friend who understands and cares even when we fail to be or do our best. Those special friends always cheer us to get back up when we fall, and applaud the loudest when we stumble upon success.

Sometimes I think Anne understands what I’m feeling before I even understand it myself. I’m so blessed to have her in my life. My friend, Anne, is very simply a special gift from God to me.

God, this is Jan. Thank you.

Jan Penton Miller can be reached at lilsisjan@yahoo.com.