Needing a Friend (Part 1)

Make new friends, but keep the old

One is silver, the other gold.

Who would have known that a song our Brownie Troop learned when I was a young girl, would be a reminder of such an important message almost 50 years later?

I have to admit that this weekend was quiet and a little lonely for me. My hours were filled with school work, house cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping – all the weekend “to do’s” ... but something was missing.

I have moved many times in my life and in the past I have adjusted quickly, jumping in to activities and making new friends along the way. I am a people-person and usually pretty out-going, so I have never experienced problems with feeling “at home” in a new place... until now. I know that it was God’s plan for me to move to Colorado and I really love it here. I also find the people to be friendly and welcoming.  So, you might be asking....what is your problem?

I hadn’t been able to figure out my problem until I read a blog yesterday and the writer seemed to be pulling the words straight from my heart to her computer. She expressed the following words, “My biggest issue since I moved was I had no people of my own to call, friends.” All I could say was, “Yes, I understand.” She went on to say, “All my best friends were back where I had moved from.” Again I said, “Yes, exactly.” Then she expressed how she felt she was becoming a “recluse”... my heart skipped a beat. No, it’s not possible, not me! I knew at that moment, it was no coincidence that I had read her blog. You see, I am a firm believer that God puts others in our lives at the perfect time - to encourage us, help us realize our pain, or show us hope through the victory of someone else’s struggles.

The words of a complete stranger had help me reveal my unsettled feeling, the fact... I was choosing to be a “loner.” Don’t get me wrong, I have found a wonderful church, joined a Bible study, and have even been invited to a few social activities. But being involved and meeting new people is a lot different than having a friend that you can call up to go shopping or to the movies. Maybe my choice was because of the busyness in my life, or the fact that I hadn’t admitted that Colorado was really my home. God has called us to be in community with others and whatever my reasons were, I was being disobedient to God and things had to change.

So, today I spent time thanking God for the blessing of friendships. I thanked Him for my very best friend in the world, Diana. Even though we live far away from each other, we share a long-standing relationship that has spanned over 20 years. When we talk on the phone, it’s like we pick up right where we left off. When we send and receive cards, it’s always the perfect sentiment. I am also thankful for the many friends that are scattered across the country that have left imprints on my heart forever. I love keeping in touch and cherish the many cards and letters we share. I even said a special thank you for the friends from my youth that I have been able to reunite with on Facebook. I've found peace in my heart and know how truly blessed I am! 

I have been humming the tune of my childhood song all day long. As I think of the words that go with the tune, I realize that I have mastered the “keep the old” part, but my prayer today is that God will open the eyes of my heart and help me “make new friends” with those He has chosen to put in my life... right here in Colorado.

Friends are a gift from God, give thanks for them and to them! Be sure to check back on Friday for Part 2 of my post on “friendship” - Being a Friend.

God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Many people will walk in and out of your life.

But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt