The ball usually took off in a high arc, almost disappeared out of sight to the left, curved back and miraculously landed in the middle of the course. I never could convince Bill that it made no difference because the yards he lost on the slice, he more than made up in accuracy. I speak of Bill as a friend for all seasons. It is necessary to turn our attention to what we mean by friendship and by all seasons. Much has been written about friendship and most have some understanding of what it means to them.
Friendships come in all sizes and shapes.
Friends are not to be confused with acquaintances. We all have numerous acquaintances, and frequently we even refer to them as friends. Our closest acquaintances, perhaps, can be referred to as friends, yet they are not truly friends in the deepest sense of the meaning. We are grateful for acquaintances, but we are blessed by friendships. The following paper is an excerpt from Alain Epp Weaver's third-year ministry project, and was delivered at a Wednesday luncheon on April 7, 1999.