Publisher’s Points to Ponder: Unexpected Friendships

The Greek philosopher Aristotle believed friendship could be narrowed down to friendships that exist between people who mutually benefit each other, friendships with people whose company you enjoy, and friendships based on mutual respect. I suppose I can subscribe to this idea because real friendships allow us to provide support while accepting support from people whom we respect and like hanging out with. Would you agree with this if you pause for a moment to think about your real friendships?

Living in Olney for the past two and a half years has taken me away from many of my friends. I think about my friends often when I sit in the coffee shop or stroll the mall. Any thought about anything I’ve shared with my friends brings back memories. Video calls and texting softens the blow that absence brings but does not measure up to a warm hug or a hand on the cheek that wipes away tears. While technology bridges the gap between friends, it does not replace the shared experiences that bring you closer together.

I am happy that I’ve had an opportunity to build new friendships since I’ve come to Olney. I’ve enjoyed many deep conversations during dinner. I smiled about some of the funny road trips and shared laughs at the movies. Most importantly, I am excited about the Christian women I’ve connected with during my time here; Those women who hold me up with their prayers. Thank you, friends.

Recently, I’ve discovered a new pocket of friendships with the women in the Amity Club. Sometimes meeting new people brings a fair share of anxiety. I can’t believe I was anxious about meeting the group of women in the Amity Club. After all, the club’s name means friendship. And friendship is what they expressed when welcoming me handshakes and hugs. They showed genuine interest in the well-being of not only the fellow members but also the community. These women exhibited mutual respect. They appeared to be delighted to be spending with one another.

Spending time with the ladies in Amity Club made me realize that our differences should not prevent us from exploring new friendships.

This week ponder on ways to build friendships outside of your standard social circle. Explore the possibility of becoming friends with people from different races and ethnicities, those with different cultures and backgrounds. You may discover that you have more things in common, such as parenting and faith than differences. I am fond of the friendship shared between God and Abraham as noted in James 2:23 “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’ And he was called the friend of God.”

Thanks, Amity members, for your warm embrace. I look forward to getting to know each of you personally as well as working shoulder-to-shoulder to make a difference in our community.