Life is full of changes. Especially people... People come and go through our lives. Some stay for years on end, becoming part of the daily routine. While others are friends enjoyed for a phase of life, and as that phase ends, the friendships drift away.

Managers (bosses) are similar- they come, they go. Sometimes you're relieved to see them go. Sometimes your a bit bummed. Sometimes, after they've moved on and you've moved on, you develop a friendship. That was the case with J. Great manager, really nice guy. And this week, he left the company to go work in Texas. I'm happy for him and his family, and the opportunity this gives him. But as I checked my mailbox at work today, I noticed an inter-office envelope waiting for me. No return mailbox listed. Opening it, I found a note, and a package of cider spice which I got him hooked on a few years back. The realization hit, that in all likelihood, I will never see J again. Having left the company and moved to another state, we will probably never again share stories of our goofy labs and commiserate in the general comercialization of mainstream Christian non-fiction.

I think back to a college roommate who stood up in my wedding, but haven't heard from in 8 years. I wonder where she is, what she's up to. Other college friendships remain, so much so that their numbers are listed in my cell phone. What makes some friendships lasting and others simply drift away?

I can stretch my memory back to my high school years, and the youth group leaders who made such a difference in my life. I hear from them every now and then. We exchange Christmas cards and I laugh and cry with them over the events of the year listed in their newsletters or such. They made such a difference in my life, so many years ago.

I suppose this is the time of year to remember those old friendships, and people who have drifted from our lives. Remember the late night study marathons, the youth group lock ins, the late nights figuring out work problems, and say a little prayer. That they might know you still care - where ever they are.