“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” C.S. Lewis I once heard someone say, “I’m a loaner. I used to think I was terminally unique, that no one could understand me…” My response was the typical bobble-head-nod signifying I could relate to feeling ‘terminally unique.’ When I was young, I thought no one could relate to the struggles, challenges and fears I faced. But then I met someone and by accident I let one comment slip. She echoed her struggle in that area and we instantly became friends. Others can be compassionate or even helpful, but there’s something about that person who can understand, the one who can relate. That was 35 years ago. Yesterday, I had lunch with my friend. Even though we haven’t seen each other for months, it was as if no time had passed. Friendship. When I’m in a group of people that share a common interest (e.g., writer’s group, ministry, book club), there’s usually one or two people that I have more in common with – quilter, raised in the same city, fans of a particular sports team, author, or hobby. We might sit together, talk in the parking lot, or go for coffee apart from others in the group. Friendship goes beyond acquaintance or even team dynamics. Friendship is personal and deliberate. C.S. Lewis also made the point that we can’t avoid acquaintances in life, but some people might live a lifetime without ever experiencing genuine friendship. Do you have friends who hang with you even when you’re separated by miles? If not, could it be an aversion to sharing your personal life with someone? What will you do today to foster a deeper relationship with an acquaintance or colleague or neighbor or relative or…? Lord, thank you for that special connection that happens in our soul which makes possible a close friendship with one or two people out of a group of acquaintances. Amen “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
What are your thoughts? Libby Note: C.S. Lewis (1898-1963), British novelist, poet, academic, literary critic, lay theologian, lecturer and Christian apologist. He held academic positions at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities (1925-63). Although most all of his published works (in four genres) are still in print, he is best known for The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Space Trilogy, Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain.
4 Comments
8/28/2018 07:25:29 am
Libby,
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Libby Worden
8/28/2018 09:14:16 am
Karen,
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Karen Schubert
9/28/2018 04:33:07 pm
Libby,
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Libby Taylor-Worden
9/29/2018 10:15:36 am
It's a joy to chat when we have so many shared experiences. As Shakespeare might have said, "Two hearts with but a single thought." (literary license)
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WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
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