What's a relationship worth?

What kind of price tag would you put on a relationship? With prices going up in every catagory of life (gas, milk, stamps, etc.), has the value in your relationships that you hold near and dear to gone up as well? Do you spend more time with the circumstances of life or in keeping, building, restoring, and nurturing the relationships that you have with family and friends? Let's face it, we live in a disposable society. Relationships are easily thrown away, never to be thought of again. Some relationships are more recyclable and have to be worked at. Some relationships are easy and natural, taking not much effort but none-the-less in need of attention.
I recall those people who were listed as my "best friends" as a kid. Jonathan Hoese was my fishing partner. We spent many a day biking to the water hole and spending the day casting lures. Joey Stifter was the one that I spent every day with in our neighborhood. We made adventure. Jeff Isenberg was my High School chum. Man, the things that Jeff and I did which only the Lord knows. Lonn Maly was my twin in college. He was smarter, but I was stronger. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. I just didn't have male friends though. Pat Paschka was the funniest girl I knew and the most adventuresome. Julie Okerstrom was athletic, smart and very pretty (I ended up marrying her!!!) She is still my best friend today after 25 years of marriage. Robin Nierode, Scot Poepping, Scott Manea were all men in my churches that proved to be wonderful support. Greg Steuart and Dave Pautz stand out amongst all of them. Dave is a prime example of a man of faith who is not afraid to work hard and Greg has the biggest heart I have every seen. He loves to help people. Both understand the definition of generosity.
I haven't seen or talked to many of those names I just listed. I wonder why? They meant so much to me. Those people were instrumental in forming my life. Is it because life has gone on and times have changed? Is it because there only seems to be so much time in a day and since it has to be divided in so many ways, there's not just enough time for everybody? What of those new people that I'm going to be meeting today and the tomorrow's of my life? Will I even start a relationship with them knowing that I might just end up walking away from them, never to be in touch with them again?
What's a relationship worth? If I want to know the answer to that, I only have to look at the value that my God places on our relationship. It was always His desire to be in relationship with His people. It wasn't about conquering nations and building cities. It wasn't about being right, stronger or better than anyone else. It was about Him having a relationship with His creation and letting them know how important they were to Him. The Bible says, "While we were still in sin, Christ died for us." God didn't wait for me to get my act all cleaned up before He wanted a relationship with me. He didn't wait for me to be nice before He would accept me. He went to the very end of the universe to have me (and you), not because He could get something out of you or because it was beneficial for Him to be in a relationship with you. He just wanted it. I think it's time I do the same.