In the late 1700’s, the Goddard and Townsend families ranked as the preeminent American furniture makers of the century. Of the many items they built, they made nine Secretary Desks in a particularly ornate style. In 2025 dollar values, each desk would have sold for “only” $104k.
In 1989, one of those nine antiques sold for $11.4 million! It remains the most expensive American furniture piece ever sold. Time and circumstances exponentially increased the value. Long term friendship works like that.
We won’t keep in touch with everyone from our EU, CBC, or AGTS student days or from our work career. However, those we keep up with gain value in our hearts. The ones who celebrate with us, weep with us, encourage and pray for us, and model strong faith for us all fit the Proverbs 18:24 passage: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Certainly, Jesus sticks closer. However, this verse zeroes in on the few people in life that just keep gaining in value to our hearts as the years and circumstances of life fly past.
Richard and Char Peterson are such friends to Karen and me. They served as superintendents in the AGKansas Ministry Network just before us. They became so much more to us than “the boss and his wife.” On a recent preaching assignment in Arizona, I made a special trip to spend some time with them. At 92 & 90, they still radiate the joy and peace of the Lord. That short visit added value to my life. Although it took two hours of extra driving, I’m thankful I took time to see them face to face.
What long-time, high-value friend might find mutual benefit today by you reaching out with an encouraging note or a visit? If you need help tracking down a college-days friend you wish you had kept up with, please email and we will help if possible. [email protected]
Dr. Charles Greenaway once told me: “Friends will cost you – but they’re worth the investment!“
Yours for the exponential value of long term, godly friendship!
Terry L. Yancey
EU Alumni Pastor