Keepsake Friendship

We live in the weird moment when we’re trying to get through something together apart. You may have noticed there is a lot of division and opinions out there – because everyone has the right one. It takes wisdom and understanding to navigate the chatter and challenges within our relationships with family and friends.

One thing isolation has brought about for most of us is the realization of how valuable our time is with our people.  We have missed birthdays, graduations, weddings . . . funerals.  We’ve missed tender moments that won’t be repeated.  And it’s been hard.

How can we be living in these past five surreal months and not reflect on something deeper than just us?

Although we’re over the half-way point of 2020, the teachable moments of how we deal and feel will hopefully last a lifetime. I’m sure for you also, life has been much more than just about Covid. Every one of us has our personal host of struggles.  And in this time of distancing and ban-the-hug, we have never needed our friends or family more.

When I look back to the hardest seasons of my life, I think of those who have been there for me. And I never want to take for granted my loyals. Each day has been a sacred opportunity to give thanks for somebody who has crossed my path and blessed me and my family these past months.  We have witnessed the goodness of God and His people in countless ways.

So I’m reminded of the precious gift of friendship – whether it’s those I’m related to – or the sweet friends who just love to chat over God and miracles and the deep meaning of life, the ones who know when to mourn or celebrate right by your distant-side, who love you when you cry over absurdities or the intense, and especially those who laugh along with you when there wasn’t a laugh left inside of you. Those kind. The kind who have mastered intentional socializing through creative connection while staying within the boundaries.

Those kind ~ the indispensable.

The story of Ruth and Naomi is a beautiful expression of inspirational friendship between two women who were related by marriage but could have gone their own ways after becoming widows. It’s a picture of loyalty and the sacrifice of investing ourselves when another needs a place to lean on kindness.  Naomi’s bitter cry of “I went away full, but have returned empty” can be the cry of many this year who have suffered loss and heartache.  But God provided a Ruth on her path. The redemptive power within this small book of four chapters tells how we can fill each other by acts of friendship.

The Lord repay you for what you have done and a full reward be given you by the Lord under whose wings you have come to take refuge.  Ruth 2:12

My dear friend (and sister for the journey), author Jessie Seneca has written a book to inspire connection among women, Friendship; Sisters for a Journey.  A beautifully written book on the cherished friendship we have with Jesus and those He has gifted us. You may visit her website at https://moreofhimministries.org and order a copy!  Or check out her latest, More of Jesus, Less of Me.

Take a moment friend, and celebrate Friendship Week by reflecting on how life would be without the holy keepsakes that have been placed along your path to help you take another step . . . and may this be a thank-you to those-very-those in my life – you know who you are!