What does the word friend mean to you?
My definition of friend has changed as my life has changed. I once heard that if you can count the number of friends at the end of your life on one hand you are blessed. How many friends would you be able to count?
There are different types of friends you might have, and they all serve a different purpose. Can you think of one friend who will always tell you the truth even when it hurts, but they tell it in love? I can, and it has been a blessing. Accountability is something we all need.
This post may contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. Please see my disclosure page for full details.
Meg Meeker in her book “The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers” writes: We need other women if we are to work more efficiently, worry less, and stay healthier. I will be the first to admit that I need more women in my life, Godly women. I find it hard to find these women, or women that have interest common to mine.
I am not the friend who loves to talk on the phone for endless hours, but I will meet you for lunch and I will talk your ears off. I am not the kind of friend that has extra time to go do “girl things”, but I am the kind of friend that will bring all my kiddos along and have a great time doing “kid things”.
I guess my problem is finding the right type of friend.
If you have been hurt in the past by friendships, it may be hard for you to form new relationships. I have been hurt and it is no fun. I hide from people now. I’m afraid to be hurt again, so I have closed myself. I don’t want to be like this. Meg Meeker writes: Loneliness gouges a woman’s heart because inherent loneliness is a subconscious feeling that we deserve to be alone. Friends it’s not good to be alone, just as God told Adam in the garden, and He created Eve so Adam would have a helpmate/friend.
In the devotion that I am following along with, 40 Days To Lasting Change, it asked a question this week at the end of day 6, to list the friends whom I can trust to tell me the absolute truth other than my husband. Friends let me tell you, my list was sad. Kyle Idleman states in 40 Days To Lasting Change: A good friend has your spiritual back. A good friend will sound he alarm. He or she may not want to say it. You may not want to hear it. But it may be the only way you’ll wake up. Who has your spiritual back? Who will help wake you up?
What are some steps that we can take to foster new friendships in our life? Some that I have thought of are:
Find a bible study group where the study topic is something you’re struggling with, chances are most people there will be there for the same reasons. You will have something in common right away.
Reach out to an older lady you know, one who has raised her children and is in the latter part of her life, there is much wisdom to gain from these women.
Take the first step at forming a new friendship, be upfront with these new relationships, tell them what you are looking for.
Be intentional.
How can we be more intentional in finding friends? I would love to hear how you have formed relationships with others, and what this relationship brings to your life.
God Bless.