I recently got the pleasure of spending my 26th birthday in Springfield, Missouri. Which happens to be the place that I called HOME with my husband for almost 2 years. It was such a treat to go back there and eat at all the restaurants that we crave and desparately wish we had near us again. And more imporantly, it was amazing getting together with dear friends. It really got me thinking:
It's quite amazing how God places people in your life, that are essential in your spiritual, physical and emotional development, they become the best of friends to you, you live and experience life together, to a point where you forgot what life was like before you even knew those friends. And then as years go by, and people move away and circumstances change and life stages change, you somehow learn to live life without those people right next to you. Does that mean that you grow apart? Does that mean you aren't friends? Of course not. I've learned that God so graciously places certain people in your life at the perfect time to be just what you need at that time. It makes me sad to think of the friends I had at the various places we've lived that I barely keep in touch with anymore because I get so busy with my life as it has changed. It doesn't mean I'm not appreciative for the friendship I had with them for that time. A true friendship is shown when you can still get together with those friends or call them up and you can pick up where you left off.
At the same time, there are some people who hold on so tightly to those past friendships, it's hard for them to accept the fact that they've changed, and their friends have changed, and that that is ok or even good. You know those people? Always hold on to the past, and what you did and who you did it with, it's hard for them to accept that they and their friends have changed....even if the change was good. Don't get me wrong, it's great to reminise on the good memories, but dwelling in the past is where people go wrong. Here's a test for you: When you're with your old friends, do you find yourself only talking about the past? Or is your connection with them, so much deeper that despite the changes, you can still connect in the present moment?
My favorite, is when I can catch up with friends and the connection we made in the past is so deep, that it's easy to pick up where we left off, despite changes and differences in life circumstances.
Although I'm sad to know that my close friendships are not guaranteed to be close forever, I'm so thankful for those close friendships for that time and for the spiritual connection I have with those friends that keep us sisters in Christ forever.
It's quite amazing how God places people in your life, that are essential in your spiritual, physical and emotional development, they become the best of friends to you, you live and experience life together, to a point where you forgot what life was like before you even knew those friends. And then as years go by, and people move away and circumstances change and life stages change, you somehow learn to live life without those people right next to you. Does that mean that you grow apart? Does that mean you aren't friends? Of course not. I've learned that God so graciously places certain people in your life at the perfect time to be just what you need at that time. It makes me sad to think of the friends I had at the various places we've lived that I barely keep in touch with anymore because I get so busy with my life as it has changed. It doesn't mean I'm not appreciative for the friendship I had with them for that time. A true friendship is shown when you can still get together with those friends or call them up and you can pick up where you left off.
At the same time, there are some people who hold on so tightly to those past friendships, it's hard for them to accept the fact that they've changed, and their friends have changed, and that that is ok or even good. You know those people? Always hold on to the past, and what you did and who you did it with, it's hard for them to accept that they and their friends have changed....even if the change was good. Don't get me wrong, it's great to reminise on the good memories, but dwelling in the past is where people go wrong. Here's a test for you: When you're with your old friends, do you find yourself only talking about the past? Or is your connection with them, so much deeper that despite the changes, you can still connect in the present moment?
My favorite, is when I can catch up with friends and the connection we made in the past is so deep, that it's easy to pick up where we left off, despite changes and differences in life circumstances.
Although I'm sad to know that my close friendships are not guaranteed to be close forever, I'm so thankful for those close friendships for that time and for the spiritual connection I have with those friends that keep us sisters in Christ forever.
