The Secret to Friendship

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

 ~ Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

Last weekend I had the privilege of going on a long overdue girls weekend with two of my best friends to Myrtle Beach. Me, Julie and Frieda walked on the beach with no makeup, played in the arcade with no makeup and went out to dinner every night-thankfully, with makeup. It was a freeing time away from the responsibilities of life.

     

The rest of our time we spent in conversation; long, uninterrupted conversation. We realized as we began reminiscing it had been over five years since we’d been out of town together. Five years! How had the time gotten away so quickly? As we talked about some of the wonderful and difficult moments we’d shared, almost twenty years of memories came tumbling back. We’ve seen each other through births, deaths, victories and frustrations, all the while doing our best to provide whatever the other needed. That’s what true friendship is all about.

But the glue that’s held our friendship together is our love for Christ and our pursuit to honor Him in our everyday lives. Whether at church, work, home or dealing with relationships, we’ve muddled the murky waters of religion and our expected roles, only to discover that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about love; loving God and loving others well.

     

These two precious women have brought me into a new understanding of what it is to accept others, be flexible and let it go. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a recovering perfectionist, and Julie and Frieda have made sure I know things don’t always have to be perfect. It’s comical how God placed me, an oldest child, into a friendship with these women who are both the babies of their families. Incidentally, so is my husband. God knew I needed more of their influence in my life than vice versa. They’ve taught me to loosen up and enjoy living more, and I believe I’m a better person

for it.

Years ago, we’d dream about the fun adventures we would have together when our children didn’t require so much of our time. But now all of our kids are almost grown, we seem to have a harder time working our friendship into the calendar. But we’re not giving up. One day we’ll be old women laughing about the good old days, and they’ll probably be trying to convince me to jump out of an airplane. ;-)

     

Friendship is one of the greatest blessings God gives us to enjoy. We teach each other, lean on each other and cheer one another on. What an awesome gift to have as we make our way down the narrow path of our Christian walk. If you don't have a great friend in your life, ask God to provide one. That's what I did twenty years ago and I've never been the same since. Thank you, Julie and Frieda, for mentoring me, loving me and holding me up when my heart was heavy. I love you both!

Do you have a friend who’s helped you grow in your Christian walk? I’d love to hear about them. Better yet, let them know how much they mean to you!