Intentional Friendships

No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 CEB

Relationships involve work and that does not exclude friendship. I have failed at a great many friendships. There has been hurt and regret. There is a cycle that happens in every relationship that includes a point of decision to continue regardless of differences and weaknesses. It takes commitment, effort and risk. I believe that risk of hurt can over time cause us to open up less, risk hurt less and withdraw from meaningful friendships. As I ponder the choice to continue seeking meaningful friendships, I am reminded of two Bible verses.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 28:11

Don’t be anxious about anything; rather bring up all of the requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6

In 2018, I prayed for friendship that would be productive, proactive, encouraging and accountable. I am creative, relational and emotional. I need friendship. So I prayed and sought friendship. A large part in friendship was being open; open to being vulnerable, open to risk, open to differences, open to connections, and open to love. I found a real friendship with a long term acquaintance. A co-worker has also become a priceless gift. It took being open, vulnerable and proactive to God’s guidance. In 2019 I chose to prioritize time with friends. It is different for everyone but for me it has resulted in Tuesday night write nights with other writer friends and a standing lunch date with a very good friend. We encourage each other and hold each other accountable.

I’ve come to treasure the diversity in my friendships, respecting and loving those individuals for who they are and honoring them for the roll they have in my life. Some relationships are organic while others take purposeful action. Some are for a season while others are for a lifetime. Any way they come, they are worth it and more priceless than diamonds. My prayer for you is that you have meaningful friendships with mutual respect, encouragement, affirmation and growth. May 2020 be a time for friendship.