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We have moved quite a bit in our 10 1/2 years of marriage. I’ve had the blessing of meeting lot of new friends. But I’ve also experienced the hardship of saying goodbye to friends. At first, I was not that good. I didn’t want change. I expected friends and friendships to stay the same. I held on real tight, squeezed my eyes shut and hoped for the best. I also killed myself trying to keep up with EVERYONE. As you can imagine, that didn’t go so well. There were unmet expectations, hurt and inevitably there was change.

After some practice, whether I wanted it or not, I’ve learned a few things. I picture a big map with roads of different kinds going in all different directions. Some road are your major highways, strong and steady. Others are your country roads that are there for awhile but then just kinda end. Sometimes roads go under construction. They change direction, need repair, become bigger or smaller. It just happens. At times the terrain is real tough. Other times you are smooth sailing. I am always thankful for new roads being built. Whatever it is, all these road take us some place. They intersect with each other just at the right time.

I view my friendships with people as these roads. There are friends I have that are strong and steady. They are the main roads in my life. Other friends have come and gone with change of location and season of life. I have had friendships look different at different times. I am thankful for new friendships in my life. I love when the Lord allows lives to intersect just at the right time. Although it is hard at times, I’ve learned to trust Him with my friendships. Even in the change, even when friendships are hard and messy. I’ve learned when to hold my friendships close and when to let go. I’ve learned to have an open hand.

I trust that he sees the whole map. He knows where I am going, who will be my side. And best of all He knows the map of my heart.