Friends

A quick thought before I head into the whirlwind that will be my day...

I glimpsed a headline at an online newspaper yesterday - something about how friendships are more important to women the older they get. Last night I had five friends over and I think we proved that headline 100%. We are a group of women ranging in age from late twenties to early fifties - very early fifties that is. We come from all walks of life and have unique life stories. We care about each other and it is amazing to watch that in action.

The group has been meeting regularly since last Fall. We took a break for the summer but decided we needed to gather at least once before September and last night was the appointed time. Our plan was to have tea and watch a video. An hour and forty five minutes after we arrived, the movie had not begun. During those 105 minutes we each shared what had been happening in our lives, laughed with each other, even shed a tear over some of the not so happy issues we were working through. We cheered each other's good news and victories and encouraged each other and gave advice for the processes we are determined to walk out.

We ended that portion of our evening with a time of prayer. Taking all of our good news and matters of concern to the One who ultimately drew us together - God. We acknowledged that it is His help we need and that with it, we would successfully navigate the waters ahead - rapids and all. Then we watched the movie we had ostensibly gathered to view.

As I said good night to each one at the door, even though it had been a long, hectic day, my heart was light and I felt good. I love my husband and children. I know I am truly blessed to have the marriage and family God has given to me. At the same time, I realize that I need other relationships and I am very thankful for my friends - the five ladies who shared last evening with me as well as the others who walk with me through the life journey God has me on.

Because of my desire to centre my life around God and His Word, I could not end this post without referring to Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

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 lie down together, they will keep 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.

And a final thought...friends don't magically appear; at least not usually. So I share with you some sage advice from times past - To have a friend, you need to be a friend.