Friendship.

It's one of life's many blessings. It's also one of its greatest joys. I still can't believe how far I have come in certain friendships, how some have faded that I thought would last, and how I have made new ones that are stronger in a shorter span of time than others.

As a (now) adult, I have realized that I am a people pleaser. I try to make everyone happy and spread myself thin over multiple friendships with numerous people. I have also realized that I can tell which friendships will last and which won't. Something that we need to start seeing is that friendships is amazing, but also keep in mind that people come and go in our lives and that's okay. Here are some thoughts on the subject of friendship.

1. God created friendship and has gifted it to us.

God is in constant community with Himself. Within the Trinity is perfect friendship and community. There are no flaws, no misunderstandings, no unrest. Human friendship isn't quite so, but that is only because we are sinful and God is not.

2. We need to be friendly to all, but not friends.

Let's face it, some people are just not good influences. I know I have had my fair share of friends who impacted me in unhealthy ways and didn't lead me toward Christ. I am still nice and loving towards them, but I also need to think about how I react when I am with certain people and whether it is in a Godly way or not.

3. Good friends are great, but best friends are better.

I have a plethora of people I would say I am "good friends" with. I only have a handful of best friends. The difference is that my best friends are the ones I share my deepest struggles with, the ones I constantly ask for advice and the ones I honestly could see myself buying an apartment with and actually living with for a time. They are the sisters that God knew our parents couldn't handle together, the ones that make me laugh so hard I cry and who see my biggest dreams. They are the ones that push me the hardest towards God and becoming the woman I was always meant to be.

4. Have friends that are much older, and much younger than you.

I have to say, friendship sees no age gap. I have a best friend who is twice my age and one who is half it. Granted, one of them is my sister, but having friends who are in a completely different stage of life is wonderful. It helps you look forward to the future and get some wise advice about life, and it lets you mentor and encourage those younger than you.

5. God is the ultimate friend.

Crazy, right? You can't see Him, can't hear Him, but He is honestly the best friend you will ever get. he listens to you in every moments, anywhere. He gives you advice and talks to you through his word. He shows his characteristics through his handiwork. He loves you unconditionally. He will never leave you.

P.S. My best friends, I dearly appreciate and love you. You know who you are, and I need you to know that I deeply value you and our friendship.