To those of you reading, or who have read my blog, thanks for tuning in and for sometimes feeling moved to post a comment! Your words have allowed this blog to serve as a community that cares about relationships; the right kind of relationships. I’m looking forward to our journey together in 2011 as we probe further into nurturing relationships that enrich our lives. Just like you, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve made some good choices too. My objective is to share some of my experiences so we can learn from each other. I’ve made new friends already through this blog, and some of you I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in person and sharing a meal. Henri Nouwen writes about this precious gift in Bread for the Journey:
Friendship is one of the greatest gifts a human being can receive. It is a bond beyond common goals, common interests, or common histories. It is a bond stronger than sexual union can create, deeper than a shared fate can solidify, and even more intimate than the bonds of marriage or community. Friendship is being with the other in joy and sorrow, even when we cannot increase the joy or decrease the sorrow. It is a unity of souls that gives nobility and sincerity to love. Friendship makes all of life shine brightly. Blessed are those who lay down their lives for their friends.
Of the more valuable lessons I’ve learned in my life, one is that I need to be a friend before I deserve a friend. I want to learn what that looks like in today’s world. Tell me what skills I need to be a real friend. Tell me why a friendship falls apart. We can freely exchange ideas here and gather more people who think like we do. We believe that our relationship with God is our highest priority, and then our relationships with others. I am blessed to have friends who show me God’s love and blessed to be able to learn more from you about relationships in today’s world.
I pray that we will experience the joy of being, and having, real friends.
Blessings,
Agatha