@bethvogt
I just spent three days in Florida with a group of writing friends and I’m once again reminded how friendship strengthens our hearts.
Our time was bookended on both sides with hugs, mixed with liberal doses of encouragement and insight and lots of laughter.
Getting together took planning and effort and yes, it cost us financially, too. But we all came home with our writing dreams renewed and our hearts refreshed.
That kind of friend-to-friend inspiration is priceless.
Each one of us has battled the less than mentality that has stretched through 2020 and into 2021. It’s affected our families and our careers. We’ve dealt with can’t and shouldn’t and loss and yes, fear.
During the past months, we’ve stayed connected through daily texts and phone calls and emails. We’ve listened to one another, prayed for one another, and cheered one another on.
Still, there’s nothing like being with friends who’ve known you for years. Who share like-minded dreams. Talking face-to-face. Dreaming out loud. Listening to one another. Brainstorming about book ideas and marketing. Walking along the beach and taking photos. Sitting back and being silent … and thankful.
When we’re younger, friendship can be, well, a bit self-centered. It’s often more about what we can get from our friends. Status, maybe. Or security.
As we get older – and if we’re wise – we’re more aware of the sacred give-and-take of friendship. We lean into all that our friends have to offer us – and all we can offer our friends.
Why We Need to be Encouraged by Honest, Trusted Friendships https://bit.ly/32uPd7E Click To Tweet 'Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.' Quote by actress Amy Poehler https://bit.ly/32uPd7E #friendship #encouragement Click To Tweet
Comments 12
I wonder how I got here,
so close to where it ends
that it’s become so very clear
that I should have nurtured friends
who might now just drop on by
for a quick howdy-do,
sit on the ground and watch the sky
through which – yes! – I once flew,
reminisce about the days of yore
and then look on ahead
to see what may yet be in store
if I’m healed and thus not dead.
It would have been both fine and nice,
but they were ambition’s sacrifice.
Author
Andrew: A glimpse of your life in your sonnet today — and no, I didn’t know you were a pilot. I also see how you’ve fostered friendships online, so I consider you rich in friends, and I also am thankful we’ve become friends.
Beth, thanks…the online friendships keep me going, and I’m so grateful for yours!
Author
Andrew: And I’m thankful for your friendship, too.
How wonderful that you got this time away together. Friendships like this are gold.
Twenty-eight years ago I met two women in my neighborhood through a Moms In Touch prayer group. Many members came and went, but even as our kids have grown, married, and had kids of their own we’ve continued to meet once a week. The love, grace, and wisdom they’ve spoken into my life has been invaluable. God’s power and faithfulness and the unconditional acceptance and safety of our circle has sustained us all through many a storm. It is good to live life with deep-soul friends.
Author
Bernadette: Lifelong friendships like the one you share with those two women … they are priceless, aren’t they?
Quality friends and time are priceless. SO GLAD you invested in that time and are all reaping long-lasting benefits. You give and invest so generously. You all deserve to have it flow both ways!
Author
Dee: It’s amazing how three short days spent with trusted friends can overflow with bountiful blessings. I’m thankful long distance doesn’t weaken friendships like that — and like ours, too.
I’m so thankful for that weekend, but more than that–I’m so thankful for those friendships that have deepened through the years. You are a blessing, Beth. Thank you for your constant encouragement and friendship.
Author
Lisa, these friendships have been ones that have held me steady on my writing journey. And I value your encouragement and friendship, too.
I’ve missed spending time with friends like that.
Author
I have too, Denise, which made those 3 days all the more special. Treasures.