This week’s prompt comes in handy, since I’ve been meaning to write on this anyway.
This post goes out to the wonderful people who have been such a blessing to me in the last few months! I hope that everyone has such friends or can be one to someone else.
The last few weeks, well actually months, have just been crazy.
Caught between writing my MA thesis, preparing for state board exams, organizing a Europe-wide youth congress, trying to keep up with my different lives all across the globe…life has just been a bit too much.
In times like these you find yourself asking the really tough questions.
You find yourself all alone and wonder if you have any friends at all. After years and years of pouring into and giving to friends – where are these people now? When you’re tired of giving, is there someone who gives to you?
I was between feelings of rage and anger towards friends who probably had no idea how I felt. I wanted people to show up and tell me they care. Tell me that they didn’t expect anything from me except ME.
But then again, I also just wanted to be alone since I didn’t want to burden anyone with my messy self. I felt too embarassed to let anyone into my apartment that looked like a construction site.
These last few week, well actually months, have taught me quite a bit about friends.
I had to let go of some old ties and expectations people would never fulfill.
Don’t chase the appreciation of the wrong people, while you might miss out on all the wonderful people along the way.
Cherish those precious little moments where a friend comes through for you.
When you’re allowed to speak your mind, without any make-up on, in your worst clothes (because you have no energy to do laundry).
When a friend is honest with you and tells you to seriously slow down. To escape from mind traps you’ve set for yourself about having to be busy 24-7.
When a friend doesn’t mind the chaos in your appartment, but comes over for dinner and a massage. When other friends cook for you and distract you with a night of laughter.
When someone doesn’t mind you tears of desperation, but simply comforts you with a hug.
When you can unite in prayers via skype and find comfort in the common bond in Christ, no matter how many miles might separate you.
Hey friend, thank you. Thanks for being you and for allowing me to be me.
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After a short Easter break, I am back on Five Minute Friday – go to Lisa-Jo Baker‘s page to read more encouraging stories!
thisiskatha.com 
Thanks for visiting! This is definitely something we should learn and practice more often…
Thanks for visiting! Definitely a process of learning…Lots of blessings along the way!
i loved the line about not chasing the appreciation of others because you might miss out on the precious people along the way… thanks for that reminder and I always find that true in my life….sometimes the very friends you think you need or would aspire to have pale in comparison to the friends right beside you that you actually need …that God put beside of you for a reason
Beautiful writing!!!!
So beautiful! Amd especially love this:”I had to let go of some old ties and expectations people would never fulfill.
Don't chase the appreciation of the wrong people, while you might miss out on all the wonderful people along the way.”
Exactly what I needed to hear today, as I'm working through my own expectations of friends right now.
Thanks for visiting! It is so important to have close friends! Love your last words: to pray for them and grow with them- definitely something I want to practice!
Thanks for visiting! Yes, having the courage to tell others is definitely something we all need to learn…
This is super. Wise words friend. Especially these…”Cherish those precious little moments where a friend comes through for you.
When you're allowed to speak your mind, without any make-up on, in your worst clothes (because you have no energy to do laundry).” As a woman in my mid 30s…you appear younger…these are your golden friends! Keep them close, pray for them, and grow with them. Good luck on the travels God has ahead for you! Jennifer, from FMF
Hi #FMF neighbour!
I can totally relate with your post. Sometimes the ones we think will “get it” don't, and it can drive us crazy! Sometimes we need to bite the bullet and tell them what's really going on, how we really feel. And above all, God is the One who always gets it. I pray that in this crazy season in your life, you will run to Him and find in Him a refuge in the storm. And I pray that He will continue to bring friends who will hold you up in prayer and who will offer the support you need. Have a great weekend.
Felista.