Friends Change...Friends Go

I think when one friendship stalls and the 'best' separates from 'friend'...God places another friend in your life to meet the need of having someone to trust again and to share life's joys, sorrows and frustrations with. I wasn't as close...who am I kidding....I wasn't close to God at all a year and a half ago - but He blessed me anyway by allowing me to find a close and true friend in a co-worker. Together we have had each others back, we have prayed for each other and together, we have trusted without pause and we have been stood together as friends throughout tough times. When I couldn't breath from grief, she held my hand, when I was frustrated she got frustrated right along with me so I wouldn't feel alone. I've been able to share so much with her and know that I could trust her with my words. When I needed a friend she was there - really there - and I could close my eyes and fall knowing she would catch me. In turn, I learned to be a better friend and to give back all that she had freely given to me in friendship. That's what a friend really is!

This is her last week before transitioning to another job at a different company. Thinking of the first day I will walk in the office and know she's not there and won't be coming back...that will truly break my heart. We have said the words that all friends say..."we will keep in touch", "we will meet for lunch or drinks", we will...we will..we will. The reality is that her life is changing just as mine will change. She will go on to forge new friendships that will supersede and surpass the one we had been blessed to have. I won't say that we won't be friends any longer but I have been down this same road several times...I know where it leads and all of the obstacles that prevent lasting close friendships. Each time I become more reluctant to form close friendships ~ and it takes me a while to get there again.  I believe that God places people in your life...in my life...to be a friend when you need one the most. I also believe that he allows them to leave once the lesson has been learned. I learned from her that I can trust again...that I could be the friend that I would want to have...that I don't have to settle for less and to be kind to those we have loved as friends.

I will miss her very much!

Peace.