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Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens the wits of another. (NRSV)
When my husband and I moved to a new city over a year ago, it was hard for me to leave my friends. Many years of shared joys and tribulations had made us a close-knit group. In particular, I appreciate my friends' loyalty and support while convalescing from burnout and depression.
Making friends in an unfamiliar city hasn't been easy: I have made some acquaintances in church and in our apartment building, but our initial interactions haven't blossomed into anything more substantial. Being unable to lay social foundations has negatively affected my ability to acclimatize to my new environment. I have felt socially isolated, leaving me with regret at having made the decision to move.
Three weeks ago, I started group counselling for depression, where I was delightfully surprised to find the other participants eager to make their acquaintance with me.
In a pleasant turn of events, I now go for a weekly coffee with some of the ladies in my therapy group. Their knowledge of the city and their willingness to show me its cultural highlights have positively influenced my attitude about living here. In turn, they enjoy picking up makeup tips from me, based on my experience as a freelance makeup and special effects artist.
I am grateful to God for the fresh perspectives of the city that my new acquaintances give me. Most importantly, I consider myself blessed not only to have my dear, lifelong friends but also to have the opportunity to make new friendships.
Is there anyone that you know of — an elderly neighbour, a colleague or even someone at church — who needs someone to talk to, or even a friendly word spoken to them? Ask God to show you how you can reach out to them today. Your efforts will be a gateway through which God's love can flow into their lives and will give you a fresh, new perspective on your own life.
Prayer: Merciful Father, thank You that You have created us to enjoy fellowship with You and our fellow man. We are grateful for the fresh perspective that a new acquaintance brings into our lives. Amen.
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Thank you.
God’s blessings you, Madeline.
Thank you, Madeline for sharing your life and answers to prayer.
Great reminder, Madeline! Thank you and God bless you and your new friends!
Madeline, your heartfelt sharing resonates so clearly with me.
Thank you for using your time of difficulty to bolster the journey of another.
Be blessed Madeline with an ever-growing circle of earthly friends and an ever-deepening friendship with the Friend above all friends. Thank you for a good word today.
Blessings.
Wonderful, Madeline! How happy I am to hear that you have found such community, hope and strength in your experience today. And that it is available to us all. Continued prayers for you as you settle into a new life.
Hello
So happy for you that God put you in a position to find new friends and make your time enjoyable. God turning a negative into a positive…. love when He does this.
All the best and God bless.
Thank you for your devotional and testimony. For over 3 years I have read Proverbs and Psalms every day. I learned this from Billy Graham many years ago, and I like it better now than when I started. It is an amazing discipline along with the Daily Lectionary Reading which I receive on my computer from the Presbyterian website.
Hi Madeline,
Good to read your devotional this morning. I / we can relate to your situation. During my working career we moved a lot; we’ve lived in every province from Quebec west, in two states and in three countries in Europe, in a couple of them twice. I must add though that colleagues and people at the church were a big help in adjusting.
Thank you for writing.
Dear Madeline:
I spent a very lonely Easter. My son and his girlfriend were busy in Toronto.
People are so busy with their own families they don’t look out for the widows very much anymore even in church.
Thank you for sharing your story. I know I am not alone, and I am very glad that you are making friends in your new city.
God bless you and again, thanks for making me feel better.
Dear Madeline,
Thank you for sharing today. My heart goes out to you. I, too have battled with loneliness and depression over much of my life, so I have a good idea of what you are dealing with. I know about a wonderful group that has provided me much friendship, fellowship and fun. It certainly can’t replace a Christian church congregation, but I have many friends in the Toastmasters International program. If you would like to, I encourage you to visit and see if you think this might provide a bit more social activity for you.
Thank you for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.
Our acquaintance with you, Madeline, has brought fresh perspective to our lives.
Blessings.
Dear Madeline Twooney,
Thank you for good advice on reaching out and finding friends.
Dear Madeline,
Your devotional was wonderful! Thank you for sharing your deep need, and how God provided for you.
Admitting we even have a need is often difficult but praise God you were willing to share yours and have helped and encouraged so many as a result.
My mother often would say, ‘A heap sees, but a few knows’ may we apply what you wrote and ask God to show us those in need and be sensitive to them even if it’s just with a smile or a friendly hello. God bless you and thanks for your writing and sharing.