“Is there any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?” C. S. Lewis
I adore my circle of girlfriends. There is so much joy in sitting with women, sharing ideas, and laughing until tears roll down your face. Spending time in our community of friends is a balm to our weary souls, a healing salve for our broken hearts. It is a spark that lights our enthusiasm for life on fire.
Edna Buchman’s famous quote, “Friends are the family we choose,” reminds us of that remarkable bond we form with those we select for our tribe, our soul sisters. The thread of similar experiences woven with truth and affirmation creates a tapestry of unity and love that add beauty to our lives.
"Friends are the family we chose."
Jesus calls us to love, commands it, actually. He wants us to love one another as He loves us. (John 15:12-17) He tells his disciples they are no longer servants but friends. Why? Because he trusts them with the words of His Father. Jesus affirms He chose them to love each other and trusts them to take that love out to others. Somehow, in all the times I have read these verses, I missed that moment where Jesus elevates the disciples from servants to friends.
“The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear him, and He reveals His covenant to them.” (Psalm 25:14) Jesus is laying His heart out for His friends. He shares the Truth with them. The disciples, happy to be His students, His servants, are joyfully blessed to be His friend!
Friendships don’t just happen; they are cultivated.
Last year I bought a Christmas Cactus. It was already blooming, so I didn’t need to do anything but enjoy its beauty. But to restore those blooms this Christmas, I had to nurture them with food, water, darkness, and then sunlight from the east at just the right time. A weird set of rules, I thought, but it worked! I have lovely blooms on that cactus that make my heart smile!
Jesus used His gift of storytelling to teach the disciples. He gave them minor tasks that eventually led to performing miracles to glorify God. Jesus cultivated those friendships from the shared experiences that grew into a trust that would change the world.
The thread of similar experiences woven
with truth and affirmation creates a tapestry
of unity and love that add beauty to our lives.
There is so much joy in having friendships, and I think it makes God smile when he draws us together in love to love. Every one of our relationships is different and needs to be cultivated in its own way. But, oh, it is so worth it! It is truly one of the greatest pleasures to share your life with friends!
Whether your tribe is one, or several groups of friends, friendships add sparkle and glow to life. When we add Jesus to our friendships, that glow becomes full-blown fireworks that light up God’s world. What is your favorite way to cultivate friendship? I’d love to hear from you!