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He looks up at me as I write these words because I've stopped petting him. He is a friend like no other. These ten long years we've shared together have been so full of joy and sadness. I like him better than most people, but the truth is that he is not enough.
This desire to know and be known. It drives us. What we do and don't do. Our engagement in social media or lack thereof. Whether we go out into the big wide world and have relationships with others or hide behind our computer screens. It often feels safer there. It is not.
The internet can be cruel it is true but a life lived in solitary is much more cruel. Knowing people and being known by them is a risk. They will fail you. Oftentimes more than once. And you will do some failing yourself. But you, me, we all need each other.
When you have something to celebrate it's sweeter when shared with a friend. Something lonely is less lonely when you let someone come into the night with you. And tragedy? Suffering? Loss? Those things can make you throw in the towel completely if you have no one to walk beside you.
Sure, a guarded heart is safe. But a safe heart isn't fully alive. You and I, we need in-real-life friends.
On Fridays I join a community of writers that encourages each other. Interested? Join us here.
This is so true, but I'm with Ami - cultivating those relationships is hard, hard, hard. I'm learning to choose smaller groups over large ones for getting together with people, because in a big group, I always feel a little lost (even if it's all people I know!) and end up being more lonely than I would have been if I'd just stayed home. But a smaller group is great.
ReplyDeleteI agree, relationships are so hard. But also so worth it. I would say keep taking small steps down the path even when there's resistance.
ReplyDeleteStart small, Ami. And use Roxy! Dogs are a great way to meet people. They'll be disarmed and you'll feel supported.
ReplyDeleteHi Joy!! So fun to get to your blog. It is definitely a goal to start getting around to all my MW people:) This is very true...what you right. And it is a risk. It's been the hardest to keep going in all of the moves & transitions. But, He is faithful and meets us when we step out...in this too. {p.s. hope you have a great {in}rl. Wish I could come! I'll be having my own with my Bible Study friends that I have seen since we moved to Hungary!
ReplyDeleteAbigail, thank you so much for stopping by and for your encouragement. I'm so happy you have an {in}RL group to connect with.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful Joy. I struggle so much with this. I don't trust women in general and so have few close friends to share my journey with. This is a great reminder to keep working on being open!
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend. It took me a long time to learn to trust people and the reality is people will still betray trust. But I have learned that life without deep relationships is much worse than the risk involved to have them.
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