Hermenuetics

Comments

Absolutely- female friendships are one key to happiness here on earth.

I have a large circle of high school, college, and current friends that require a large time investment. From sending and answering emails to planning trips to see each other, friendships take sacrifice.

A girlfriend group from college (7 of us) made a commitment to never go a year without seeing each other. We meet in various places around the U.S. It's always worth it. They encourage me, call me out on my selfishness, and give me many laughs. They show me Jesus, in their various ways, and that to me is what brings ultimate happiness.

Posted By: Lesley | June 18, 2009 11:38 PM

I agree completely. When I have conversations with my co-workers, they speak openly about their struggles with insomnia, anxiety and stress. To a certain degree, I can sympathize if they are overwhelmed with work, or if they have a genetic disposition to feeling anxious. But mostly I see it as a result of not possessing deep meaningful relationships in their lives. They often tease me for having such an active social life and have asked many times how I have the time or the money to attend so many birthdays, showers and weddings every month. But I feel so blessed to have a calendar filled with these kinds of events, celebrating the friendships I try so hard to maintain. Especially when you live in such a metropolitan city as I do, it requires more effort to establish relationships that will last a lifetime. There's a lot of trial and error along the way. But life is so much more satisfying and meaningful when you surround yourself with people you love and that love you in return. And true happiness is worth more than all the money in the world.

Posted By: Celeste | June 19, 2009 1:54 AM

Absolutely. I have been blessed with tremendous female friends throughout my life, even though I have moved several times. I still have some friends that I made in early childhood and we get together as often as possible. I also have the unusual-but-wonderful situation of considering a couple of my co-workers to be some of my closest friends. We laugh together, cry together, do lunch together, take road trips together. It makes work a joy and life a fantastic journey. God did not create us to live in isolation. He created us to live in community.

Posted By: Lisa | June 19, 2009 6:11 AM

To Celeste - I think you nailed it when you said it takes effort, and it's not a matter of finding time for your friends, you prioritize what's important. I often wonder when people say they are so busy, what is it they are doing? I try to avoid even using the word busy in association with seeing my friends. It's not a task, it's something to enjoy!

Posted By: Stephanie | June 22, 2009 4:31 PM

I'm not surprised that relationships extend your life, not only physically, but they help to bring vitality and growth spiritually. I am so sorry men don't seem to place the same value on relationships, because I believe their lives would be richer, if they could discuss real issues, like women, get other prospectives, have some accountability, etc.
My ladie's bible study at the Church, Take A Break, is such an integral part of my life, and I wonder where I would be in my walk with God, if I didn't have it. I am in a couples study as well, but don't experience the same intimacy, so praise God for women! God has made us so special! Thank You Lord! Beth Havill

Posted By: Beth Havill | June 26, 2009 7:17 AM