Saturday is a good day for many things, but normally, I like to spend a few moments on Saturday morning reflecting on all that happened in the week that was. FRIENDSHIP - this was a theme that surfaced numerous times throughout this past week. I found myself wrestling with the question ‘who are my friends?’ I’m friendly with a lot of people, and a lot of people are friendly towards me, but as we all know, friendliness does not always equate to friendship.
Much could be said about friendship (and I won’t say much here), but what I’m learning as I get older is that friendship is rare. We often get so busy with ‘life’ and managing all the details and logistics of life that we never take the time to cultivate friendships with those around us.
”Friendship is hard.”
”I’ve been burned too many times before.”
”I just don’t have time.”
”There’s no one around me that I actually like.”
A super short list as to why we might be lacking meaningful friendships in our lives, but can I just say this - friendship matters. Friendship is worth the time, the investment, the heartache, and the hassle. Knowing and being known matters. Carrying others hurts, wounds, and burdens while allowing others to do that for you matters. Laughing with others matter. Crying with others matters. Playing Pickle Ball with others matters. Wasting time with others matters. And having others help us grow our friendship with God while doing that for others matters.
I am a local church guy. Meaning, I believe that the best starting point for cultivating friendships should be in the local church. The beauty of cultivating friendships within the local church as a starting point is a shared mission. That mission… we want to help as many people as we possibly can walk with God. The greatest friendships I’ve ever experienced were when we mutually helped one another walk in the plans and purposes of God. While doing that, there was a TON of joy, laughter, adventure, and stories of getting to see God move in crazy amazing ways.
Who are your friends?
If you find it hard to answer that question, take a step towards connecting with GENESIS. Jump on a TEAM and when we launch GROUPS and STUDIES this Fall, be prepared to be part of that.
These are just a few steps you can take towards friendship today. I don’t know all that God will do with those steps but I do know this, you’ll be amazed and blessed by the people God will begin to raise up in your life to enjoy friendship with.
