Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter;
whoever finds one finds a treasure.
Sirach 6:14
I love that passage. It always makes me stop and reflect on the friends who have been woven in and out of my life. Each one an enormous blessing, each one a certain season in my life.
For many reasons, the last 10 years have been solitary years for me outside of family. And I have been completely content with that, feeling that the LORD has been leading and teaching me 1-on-1, and it’s been wonderful!
Sometimes events in others’ lives make me stop and wonder if I am wise to be so isolated, though. After Tonya’s accident, a friend stayed in her house with her for several days to take care of her. With Amy’s cancer, I see the fruit of years of friendships built in a small community as people have come alongside in support for the entire family.
Very honestly, if something happened suddenly to my husband, I can’t think of a single person I would call to be with me.
Is that a good thing, or not? The idea doesn’t trouble me greatly. But I do miss the friendship I had with Karen during my short time in North Carolina. It was honest, equal, mutual, and God-centered. I really miss having someone to talk with about God – to ask questions, to reflect together and seek answers together. I think God used us each for the other to challenge and support and to help us grow.
For a time I found a certain level of that online on Christian messageboards. People challenged me and taught me and I did develop real friendships. But I am weary of the constant adversarial nature, and I find myself longing for someone in-person.
LORD, it is in your hands and in your timing. I would be blessed to have a friend again to share this part of our journey, if you so will it. And if you want me to remain in solitude and lean on you alone, I’m ok with that too. I trust your plan completely and my heart’s desire is to grow closer to you. However you will bring that about, I thank you!
Faithful friends are beyond price, no amount can balance their worth.
Faithful friends are life-saving medicine; those who fear God will find them.
Those who fear the Lord enjoy stable friendship, for as they are, so will their neighbors be.”
Sirach 6:15-17
Coffee with God 