One gift I’ve received, particularly in 2020, is friendship.
As a family, we have moved a lot, and that means that we are not strangers to being the “new” people in town. Finding and building new connections is always a commitment. Sometimes, it feels like a burden and other times it feels like such a gift. One thing it has done, though, is given me a true appreciation for friendship.
Suddenly, this year I’ve found myself surrounded by several quality friendships. Such a treasure. Such a gift.
When Chris came home for a 24 hour visit recently…he had just left when I received a text from a friend offering wine and conversation later that day. What a joy to be thought of by a person who knew sadness would come on the heels of Chris’ departure.
Other times, friends have sat by my side at ball games and had silly fun with me as we very enthusiastically root for our team. Then over covid lockdown, I met with a friend several times a week to get in exercise and lots of conversation. This and many other instances have led to me having the most fruitful friend season I’ve ever experienced.
Even three of the women I cultivated friendship with while in PA have served as steady and faithful friends still. In past moves, I have had the hard realization that even good friends will fall to the wayside when distance requires them to make additional effort. It’s been a painful but all too real truth for me. But these three faithful relationships have stood the test of time and our distance has only enhanced what we share. We’ve walked through challenging seasons together and forged bonds that time and space can’t dissolve. Faithful friends are a treasure from heaven.
If you’ve only lived in one place during your life, I encourage you to take a minute and reflect on the treasure trove of relationships you have and remember it’s not that way for everyone. We all have something to be grateful for, friendships are one of those things.
Prayer Moment: God, thank You for friendship. Thank You for blessing my life. During this rich season of seeing friendships abound, I want to say how very grateful I am. You are my best Friend, though. Help me to always remember that. You are my most trusted Confidante. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27:9
Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
365 Days in the Presence 