Merriam-Webster defines a friend as:
one attached to another by affection or esteem
but I don’t think a dictionary can really fully define a friend.
Thinking back over my life, over the many people I’ve know and the many I’ve called friends, it is so funny to see how the people have flowed in and out of my life. Like water. Friends have helped in times of trouble, and yes, on some occasions friends have hurt me in ways that only friends can.
But most of all, as I think back, I realize how the friends have come and gone at the right times. Some people have entered my life, as friends, when I most needed them. Those people have left me, and even though I may not have wanted to admit it at the time, their departure from my life was truly God’s way of giving me His best.
Just think… most of my biggest and best life changes have come after losing friends.
It was because I lost a friend that I decided to study education.
It was because I lost a friend that I moved overseas and served on the mission field.
It was because I lost a friend that I decided to run a 5k, which evolved into a 10k, which evolved into a half marathon, and I’m still thinking about running a full marathon next fall.
Friendship is so fluid. I’m so thankful that God has taken those friends away when He did, because what he gave me in return was so much better.