So today I've been thinking about some of the friends I have and have had in my life. Over the years, as do many people, I have come to make so many friends. Not just aquantances, but true friends. Some of my friends I barely speak to anymore, either because of our lives being so busy, or because of moving. Some of my friends, I've just met within the last couple of years but I feel like I've known them forever. You know, those people that have such a compassion and love that you feel it in their smile!
I met a friend like that recently. My husband was pastoring a church in the mountains and I met her through a homeschooling co-op group. From the first time I met her I knew that she was a unique and wonderful person all around. This young lady, was a true follower of Jesus.
Now, growing up you always hear about people from other denominations and are told that you shouldn't be close friends with them, due to too many differences. The thing I have come to realize is that is not so. A denomination can actually hinder a friendship that God wants to bring to pass. This friend of mine worships differently than me, but her life and her spirit is one of a true child of God. If you were to meet this friend of mine, you wouldn't even know the difference. She was there for me, when I needed someone not in our church to talk to. She was someone that I could talk to about anything and I felt that she wasn't condeming me or judging me. I KNEW that she was praying for me. I could feel her prayers. I will never forget this friend. Hopefully, we will still talk and keep in touch now that we have moved and are pastoring another church in a different area.
So what makes a friend? It's different for different people. One thing I know for sure, everyone enjoys being around someone that will listen with compassion. Someone who will pray for them and not spread rumors. A friend that they can trust to keep everything between them and God. It's nice to have friends in so many places. I thank God for the friends that I have. I thank God for the friendships that I will make. It feels so good to have true friends
