Fulfilled * Friends * New Friends

In a lifetime people always seek love, approval, acceptance and kinship. We look for friendships that bring us those things. Many times we find acquaintances while good they don’t fill  our need for the kind of relationships that feed our souls. People who stand with you when you are on the highs and stand firm behind you when you are walking through valleys. Either way they are about what you are about and with you always.  These kind of friendships can be rare plus far and few between.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10   Two are better than one,  because they have a good return for their labor: ¹⁰ If either of them falls down,  one can help the other up.

Years ago I was talking to a mentor of mine…. This conversation was  reasonably early in my faith walk, so I was relatively naive and unknown to Christian seasoning. I told her two things I very much wanted. Things I had seen  in others that I knew I wanted. I wanted discernment and “spiritual spidey sense”. What I meant by that is to be able to see people and early on know without too much grief how good they were and that I needed them in my life.  I wanted good people in my life, people who were on my side – in my corner – not hidden agendas or ulterior motives for being a friend. Just pure unquestioned friendship, no strings just friendship.  Also, I wanted people in my life that I could pour in to as well. Use my God given gift of Encouragement to love on them too. This to me is what real relationships are. Real Love.

Proverbs 27:17   As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another

It is some give and some take in relationships. You give as good as you get. Oh I know sometimes one side is on the downslope and needs some extra grace, extra love, extra words and so that’s why God puts these “real” friends in your life. A family of Choice if you will. I have a family like this. I love them and they love me.

Proverbs 11:25 NIV   ²⁵ A generous person will prosper;  whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

This past Sunday I had the extreme pleasure of being around some of my family of choice. It was a wonderful time for us to be together. I was thrilled to see everyone after so long and I felt so completed by the feeling of loving them and being loved by them. I know that I know this is what God meant when He puts certain people in your life.  There just are not sufficient words to describe my overwhelming sense of love and peace after this lunch. I’m so very blessed to be able to know them for all these years, to love them and be loved by them.

One more thing, the lady I sat next to, we didn’t have lots of conversation but what we did felt so kindred. A new friend, a new choice and I’m thankful yet again God put another one in my path. I look forward to one more

Heavenly Father, I just want to thank You! for Diving appointments, for friends, for Family of choice. Than YOU!!! In Jesus name - Amen