Friendship

Friendship. There have been so many things said about it throughout history that I can't even begin to imagine I'm saying anything original.

But that's okay. Because I think sometimes, we need to hear things repeated. Otherwise we forget the importance of them.

Friendship is one of those things. And I think oftentimes, in the buisness of life, we forget that. We take forgranted the friends we have, and it's only when life and change take them away from us that we realize the treasure we once held.

There are always seasons in life. Things will always change. I've been learning that a lot as of late. And I've also come to the realization that in the world we live in, it seems to be an accepted fact of life that as things change, friendships also change. After all, can you expect that the same girl you shared your heart with in highschool will stand beside you in your wedding?
Lives change. Goals change. Perspectives change. Priorities change.

But in all that change, you know what?

Friendships don't have to change.

Or maybe I shouldn't say that. They will change. They will grow. They will become stronger. And true friendship, friendship that is grounded in Christ, like the tides of the ocean, will always remain constant.

And nothing can stop it.

Maybe you're laughing and wondering where in the world I'm getting all this from. Well, first off, I promise I'm not making it up. ;) Let me explain.

Remember the story of David and Jonathan in the Bible? David and Jonathan were friends; close friends. And then Saul, Jonathan's father, began to despise David. And tried to kill him.
But not Jonathan. Jonathan helps David escape. And David promises he'll always do good to Jonathan, and Jonathan's family. Time passes, and Jonathan is killed. David eventually becomes king. And one day, he remembers his promise to Jonathan. And wonders if there is any of Jonthan's family still alive, that he might be kind to them, as he had promised. He asks around a bit and finds out that, yes, there is still someone alive. In fact, Jonathan's crippled son is still alive.
David sets out to find him. And when he does, David brings him into the palace, sits the man at his table, and treats him like family.

Y'all, even in death, their friendship was strong. The covenent they had made during their lives was honred even after one of them had died. And death is the ultimate change, is it not? If a frienship can withstand it . . . can it not also withstand anything else this world may hand out?

God places friends in our lives right when we need them. And seeing as how we're sisters in Christ, I don't think He expects them to leave us anytime soon.
Friendships are like rays of sunshine in a world that is often dark. They leave us encouraged, and put a smile on our face. And even if it's talking about the craziest things, a talk with a dear friend just seems to make the whole day a bit brighter.

So treasure each and every friendship you have. They're all gifts. Such precious gifts! But don't expect it to be without hard times. Life brings those. And it's the friends who have been with you through the rough times who will be able to rejoice with you when the sailing is smooth once again.

Often, It's the little thing in a friendship that mean so much. Like that friend who learns the lyrics to songs just so she can sing with you, even when she's not a fan of the artist. Or that other friend who understands exactly what you're going through and stuggling with, and is always willing ot listen and encourage.
Or yet another friend, who shows that she cares for you by teasing you to death.

Such little, insiginificant things. But when placed on the foundation of Christ, it's the little things that add up to be big things.

Today I challenge you. Give that friend who means so much to you a hug. Let them know how much you treasure them. And then work on building a friendship that will stand the test of time.

I can guarantee you, it's a decision you'll never regret.