We were Indianapolis bound. Pulling up roots. Moving away from family, co-workers, best friends. Starting over in a new city. New job. New home. Tears flowed freely.
But then we found the church. We would have been lost without it. The center of our spiritual and social life. A third place where we gathered for fellowship with other believers. We discovered lifelong friends we cherish to this day. Those who helped deepen our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Vital to our walk with God.
Become wise by walking with the wise;
hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.
Proverbs 13:20
I never realized the depths of friendships God was preparing. I could write a book on all of them. But one in particular I never saw coming. Kim was a teenager when my husband and I started attending. Her parents pillars in the church, a family much admired. Through the years, the Lord began unfolding our divine connection.
It started with a ladies Bible study where we discovered a shared passion for family and the Word. Our sons became buddies. Binding our relationship even tighter.
As time went on we learned to be transparent with each other, sharing our deepest pains and greatest joys. Always applying God’s truths to our circumstances.
The longevity of our friendship is amazing. Together since our children were babies. I can’t imagine life without a good friend like Kim. Someone who’s not afraid to speak into your life. Someone who tells you the truth. Someone you can trust no matter what.
We’ve watched our children grow, graduate, marry and have babies of their own. But it was God’s Word and prayer that kept us together. It’s how we learned to do life deeply together.
We’ve shared a rich history for nearly forty years. Experiencing life’s ups and downs, mountain tops and valleys. Still praying together after all these years. Kim’s been a gift from God to me. It’s her birthday this week. But I keep getting the gift year after year!
Relationships are important. I have been blessed with many close friends who share a rich history. The kind who know when you need a hug. Who can make you laugh til you cry. Or can tell if something’s wrong by a quick glance into your eyes. Supporters who walk by your side through thick and thin. Faithful. Loyal. Always there. Making you better.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one friend sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
The Bible has much to say about who we hang around with. A friend can make or break us. God is relational and knows we need someone with skin on to walk through life together. With the Lord at the center, that cord of three strands cannot be broken.
Friends come and friends go
but a true friend sticks by you like family.
Proverbs 18:24
Who’s your go-to friend? If you don’t have one, make it a matter of prayer. I promise, she’ll be the gift that keeps on giving…year after year.
Happy Birthday, Kim!