God is amazing! He provides us with glimpses of His character through our friends and relationships.
We can see His nature reflected in the eyes of those who come in and out of our lives.
A few nights ago, I explained to my daughter, “there are friends that stick closer than a brother or sister, and those friendships that come and go in our lives, it is okay to say goodbye to some people.”
For my teenager, this concept of changing relationships is scary and so final. Discovering self requires a person to be open to new experiences such as new schools and diving into a circle of fewer people to gain so much more. Learning to discern and let God orchestrate our future relationships takes guts and trust, even for adults. Can you relate?
It can be a scary time of anxiety, insecurity, and distress. However, as a Christian teen or as an adult, we are called to something better. Dropping the known environment can bring fear, even if it is pretty conflicted and unstable for new things with like-minded friends. Even moms, and adults, understand this conundrum.
Life is like this for each of us. The only consistent promises are that God will never leave or forsake us; He goes with us and He has plans.
Joshua 1:9~ This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Jeremiah 29:11~ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Philippines 4:6-7 ~ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
God gives us beautiful moments to reconnect with those special people who travel in and out of our lives. It is like a sun-kissed moment. Or is it a Son kissed moment? The smile of a steadfast friend who knows you and loves you with your warts and smooth places is priceless.
As I visited my local coffee shop in another town, I had a blessed moment of reconnection. Kim was ordering her coffee drink as I settled to write this blog.
My heart warmed as I heard her voice. It had been too long; life took over, death in her family and transitions in relocation for her and kid responsibilities for me.
We hugged (yes, we hugged, even in COVID)! We smiled that knowing smile of friendship—the smile of love from Christ. We were blessed to see each other for a brief time; joy in the Body of Christ, the Sisterhood of love, grace, no barriers, being known, and just for a moment at peace. This connection is for all people; sisters and brothers!!
Times of connection is heaven on earth! Fear is a tool the enemy uses to stop our faith in God and His peace. Choose faith in His connections!
Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)~ There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
May you feel the love of Jesus from the intersection of an old friend this week. Don’t live in fear. Live in faith. There is a connection waiting for you. Ask the Lord to show you. You are seen and known.
Author: Mary Mesikapp
Mary Mesikapp is a lover of nature, sunsets, mountain drives, and hikes. Mom of 4 (through blessings of open adoption, and our foreign exchange daughter from Brazil), previous Trauma / Emergency room Nurse, past Director of a Pregnancy Resource Center, student of the Bible as study leader and mentor.
Mary has spoken in schools and in churches about life purpose. She learns more about Jesus every day especially through the challenges and looks forward to encouraging women and families to be strong and steadfast in relationships and life.
You can connect with Mary on her website @inspiringlightthroughthecracks
Coffee shops are my favorite place to hang out
I agree Jesusluvsall 😉
I can relate to your teen so much. As a teenager myself, I’ve had to say goodbye to friends and had friendships end unexpectedly. It’s no fun, but it makes me all the more grateful for the friends that stick with me and point me to Jesus!!
Thank you for your response! I totally agree no fun to change friends but if they point to Jesus and we grow into His character it is worth it;)!