Finding Fellowship

I was washing dishes after having some friends over, and I was overcome by gratitude. I didn’t know a single one of these people two and a half years ago, but I laugh and cry and break bread with them at least once a month!

I don’t believe we are meant to go through life alone. I also don’t believe that a partner should carry that full load. Friendships are super important to find and foster.

Now, I realize that’s easier said than done. As someone who lived a dozen places growing up, and who settled across the country where I knew nobody, I know how hard it is to make friends. Making friends as an adult can be tricky. Making NEW friends, even if you’re where you grew up, is also tricky.

The best way to make friends, in my opinion, is to lean in to something meaningful. I met this group of people in a church support group after my divorce. We shared a faith, we were vulnerable, we met often. You can bond over a lot of surface things with people, but something like faith, or volunteering, or going though hard seasons can help you find support (and give it). My other friends are amazing women I’ve met through various mom groups like MOPS and MOMS Club where I not only participated, but led. I wish I had learned the lesson in college, but you get out of groups what you put in, and even though I’m super shy and socially awkward, I tend to lean in now.

I hope you are surrounded by people who love and support you, who speak hard truths to you when you need it, who encourage you to grow, and who cheer for all of your wins! If you aren’t, I hope that you give yourself the opportunities to find those people!