The Highs and Lows of Friendships

Kim at the Internet Cafe has posted another interesting question for the week:


"What is one thing that you absolutely love about friendships? Why? On the other side, what is one thing that you find absolutely difficult when it comes to friendships? Why?"


What do I love about friendships?


Well.


I love the different levels and layers that a friendship can have. Allow me to explain what I mean: I have one friend, who is really more of a sister than a friend, and has stuck by me through everything since we were three and four years old (I won't say which is older! ;-P)


She and I have literally had layers upon layers of strong encouragement, mutual advocacy, and an avid, reciprocated protection from harm. All that is good is even peppered with occasional contention, aggravation, and disagreement. We have an over-30-year history of growing upwardly and inwardly, striving and laboring, and grieving and healing together. She listens to me like no other friend I've had, and shares with me her deepest and toughest thoughts. I simply cannot imagine my life without her.


And then, as if that weren't enough, there are other friends with whom I get to share the lighter things in life! I have a friend that is a perfect shopping companion for me, another who is a home school veteran I can question to death, and then there are others who are a sweet smile and a kind word at just the right time.


I love God's plan for friendships in this life!


Of course, any time we have relationship with other people, there is always some risk involved. I have had very few painful experiences with friendships, but the ones I've had cut like a knife. I've (quite recently, actually) gone through a time when I found it difficult to trust others who showed interest in a friendship. I questioned their motives; not because of something they had done, but because of something someone else had done.


Fair? Not exactly. Human nature? Unfortunately.


But God is the Ultimate Restorer of friendships and of the human heart. Believe me when I tell you that He really can use anything and everything for the good of those who belong to Him (Romans 8:28). Those are not just words of comfort, they are words of healing and Truth.


I know this to be true because He has since healed my heart. And I'll tell you one instrument that He's used to do it: it's in the gracious words of my new-found blogging friends all across the world wide web! I have found reassurance, comfort, and a renewed sense of belonging because of the beautiful women out there who aren't afraid to say hello.


I am eternally grateful to my new friends. Even if I don't ever get to "meet" you on this earth, I look forward to knowing each one in heaven for all eternity!


You know, only God could do that.