Friendship and the Forties

But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely. Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.

Dinah Craik, A Life for a Life, 1859

I have always loved this quote and yet it’s taken years to fully understand that this kind of friendship is possible. It’s taken until the latter part of my 40’s to feel the joy and comfort of this kind of friendship. I could be totally wrong and maybe it’s only been my experience, but I am not sure that we can experience the complete trust and safety of friendship until we are older.

My 40’s have been a time of soul searching and personal turmoil as I have sought to allow God into all the places of my heart and life. I have grown to love God deeper as He has exposed the issues and sin in my heart. God has taken me to a deeper level of healing so that I might be truly free. The road seemed long and impossible at times. The valley too deep and mountains too high.

For this journey through the decade of my forties God provided beautiful sisters to help along the way.

Sisters who were there for a moment then gone. But will always be treasured.

Sisters who would walk through the valley or help me up the mountain and then go where God was calling them.

Cherished sisters that have remained beside you though it all.

Then there are those few who become a part of your heart, and soul. They are friends to whom God has knitted your hearts together. 

Because of the road that my forties have taken me and the work God has done I am able to accept this kind of friendship.

I can embrace it. Trust it. Thank God for it and know that it is a true gift from Him.

My forties are not quite over yet, but I am praying that these next two years are a bit easier than the last 8 years. If not, it’s okay for I will have my friends with whom I can share my heart, my joy, and pain. They will be there through the valleys and the mountains.

Thank you God for allowing me the privilege of walking with such faithful women who are constantly pointing me to You and a deeper understanding of who You are.

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