Friends for Life

Monday, March 19, 2012
Friends.

You can't live a fulfulling life without them.

A good friend can pick you up from the depths of despair when you are down.

A good friend knows just what you need. Whether near or far, a good friend is always there for you.

I've been watching the movie "Something Borrowed" obsessively lately. In the movie an almost lifelong friendship is put to the test. The movie has made me think about the friendships that I've had over the years.

There are people who will be in your life for, well, your entire life. We all know who they are. I have friends that I've known (and loved) since being in Mrs. Bachman's kindergarten class. I may not see these friends frequently, but we have an understanding that we'll always be friends. These are our "coming of age" friends. They've cried with us when our first loves broke up with us. They've cried with us when it was time to part for college. They stood by us at our weddings. They've held us up at funerals.

There are friends who are with us for a reason, a season, and a lifetime.

Not every friend will remain in your life forever. Not every friend should. Recognize when a friend is with you for a season and embrace and let go of that friendship when it is time.

Friendships ebb and flow, and many just stop.

There are many reasons for this. Don't dwell on why the friendship ended, but rather be thankful that you shared yourself for a reason, for a season.

As I get older, I'm learning valuable lessons about friendship. Not everyone will like you. Don't be upset. I can tell within the first 15 minutes of meeting someone if we will click. If we don't, I know there is someone with whom I will. It's that simple. I don't force a friendship.

Friendships should be easy. We shouldn't have to work at them. We are busy enough with work, home, kids. We shouldn't have to add friends to the mix.

Friends should be an escape from the stressors of life.

They shouldn't be the stressors of life. Ever. If they are, they aren't friends.

Friends don't question us. They "get" us.

And we "get" them.

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