Mending Bridges

You know what is so amazing? Mending bridges. Forgiveness. Mending old hurts. Growing up. Relying on the Lord that His plans are the right plans - that who He wants in our lives are who we need.

During high school, I had mostly male friends. I did have a handful of female friends - but mostly male. Fast forward to college - living in an all female dorm. I didn't have much of a choice. (Think: shy girl all on her own in college...easier to make friends where you live than anywhere else!) So, girls I befriended first.

There was a girl who lived next door that I honestly don't remember how we became friends. But, soon we were inseparable. Eight months (or so) later, I started dating someone. That's when the problems started. I can't even explain to you what the issue was - it just wasn't good. At all. We were both so miserable by the end of it. Which was so sad because we are so similar and go along great (up to that point.) Funnily enough, too - before that - I had never had an issues with friends. Oh boy did we have our fair share of issues! Just a mess that spiraled out of control.

The following three years of college, we were cordial. Saw each other now and then. A year and a half after college, both of us were saved at that point, somehow our lives intertwined. One day, God placed on my heart to apologize and forgive...I obeyed. She did the same. Our past hurts were mended. We both grew and learned from them. We are both better people now. 

We are now the kind of friends who can share stories about anything. We can be there for each other, with Christ on our sides. He was missing many years ago. With our growth as woman and our spiritual growth, our friendship is so fantastic! Maybe it helps that we are many states apart? (Just kidding!) Seriously though, both of our lives are now parallel so we can be the kind of friend each of us needs. We can be there for one another in Christ, as well. Which is so precious and rare.

The next time you are fighting - be sure you don't say anything too harsh. Don't say anything that you would feel ashamed to say if you remembered two years later.  
 
I am so thankful to have such a friend as her. I am also so thankful that neither of us ever said anything too crazy so we would have a hard time forgiving one another. I am so thankful that the Lord has brought us together.

Never take for granted the people you have in your life. They are not only there for a reason, but the time they spend with you is so precious. Don't waste it. Don't take it for granted. Be thankful. Treat the friendship with care and respect. And don't forget to tell your friends how much you love them and how thankful you are for them. You never know what the future holds - you never know how long they will be in your life...don't wait until it's too late!