Bouncy Ball

In my teens and early twenties, I faced loneliness. I had some friends nearby, but in a period of transition in life, I felt I needed more. A new house was being built beside us at the time. I prayed that God would move a Christian family into that house, a family with kids the age of me and my siblings, and maybe even a very special friend for me.

The neighbors moved in, and we knew very little about them. But one windy day, the wind blew my little sister’s large bouncy ball over into the neighbors yard. Finally, here was a chance to talk and connect. Instead, I watched with a sinking heart as a little boy ran to grab my sister’s ball, and promptly disappeared into his house with it. To this day, that toy theft is about all I know of those neighbors. We no longer live in that neighborhood, and I have no idea if they do or not.

That event was a great disappointment, but as I think back, I remember a family that started coming to our church whom we became close friends with. It didn’t happen the way I expected, but God still reached down and brought friendship to my lonely heart.

Since then I have been called to places where I’ve questioned why, but afterwards, I see the lasting friendships that have developed from being in those places.

Most importantly, I always have a friend in Jesus, the one who knows me and loves me like no one else ever could.

Dear Father, thank you for the lasting friendships that you bring into our lives. Help us seek communion with you always, and trust you as we reach out to others. In Jesus name, amen.

Throughout this Day: How can you trust God to help you reach out in friendship today?

Additional Resource: Here is another article on friendship: The Gift of Friendship