I've learned so much in these recent years about how precious friendships are. Best of all, that they're all orchestrated by God to mold us, shape us, encourage us, make us laugh, lean on when we cry or feel low. There are friendships that endure from the highest peaks to the lowest valleys, and yet come out even stronger. Then, there are friendships that are more like acquaintances. Acquaintance ARE just as important, like a dash of salt and pepper to make your life more flavorful and diverse.
Looking back even to my childhood, I remember having "friends" that caused harm than good to my emotions to perhaps make themselves feel more important. I know it's caused me to be more skeptical and more cautious in what I share to others, and barriers went up to protect me. Only a few people were willing to break through it and became my bestfriends I could trust. Of course, the Lord had more friends lined up, and He was ready to break down that barrier and open His floodgates of blessings through my friends. I received more endearing friends in Nursing School, at church, and other areas in my life. Jesus has blessed me with so many friends in SD and in ATX (Austin, TX), and has reminded me He's still totally in control, and not done GIVING. There have been times I desired to be friends with some, but He's kept them as acquaintances. And, some have been unexpected surprises, that have been encouraging and persistent in breaking that safety shell I still occasionally put up.
Some of you may think that I give God way too much credit in my friendships I have now, but to me, each of you are such a blessing to me, and have come into my life at divine moments that it's hard NOT to give Him credit. He knows me more than I know myself. He knows what I need: the Encouragers, Challengers, the Support, laughters, Comforters, and Leaning Posts that He can work through to shape me into the Godly Woman He knows I am, and capable to be. I'd say He planned every introductions of my friends I had, have now, and will have in the future. Even my acquaintances that I may see on occasion, but wonderful see, chat, and even just receive a hug from for that moment.
"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!
Also, if two lies down together, they will keep him warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
Two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecc 4:9-12
Looking back even to my childhood, I remember having "friends" that caused harm than good to my emotions to perhaps make themselves feel more important. I know it's caused me to be more skeptical and more cautious in what I share to others, and barriers went up to protect me. Only a few people were willing to break through it and became my bestfriends I could trust. Of course, the Lord had more friends lined up, and He was ready to break down that barrier and open His floodgates of blessings through my friends. I received more endearing friends in Nursing School, at church, and other areas in my life. Jesus has blessed me with so many friends in SD and in ATX (Austin, TX), and has reminded me He's still totally in control, and not done GIVING. There have been times I desired to be friends with some, but He's kept them as acquaintances. And, some have been unexpected surprises, that have been encouraging and persistent in breaking that safety shell I still occasionally put up.
Some of you may think that I give God way too much credit in my friendships I have now, but to me, each of you are such a blessing to me, and have come into my life at divine moments that it's hard NOT to give Him credit. He knows me more than I know myself. He knows what I need: the Encouragers, Challengers, the Support, laughters, Comforters, and Leaning Posts that He can work through to shape me into the Godly Woman He knows I am, and capable to be. I'd say He planned every introductions of my friends I had, have now, and will have in the future. Even my acquaintances that I may see on occasion, but wonderful see, chat, and even just receive a hug from for that moment.
"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!
Also, if two lies down together, they will keep him warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
Two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Ecc 4:9-12
