Did you ever wonder why some friendships last and some don't? I've been thinking and talking a lot recently with friends about this. I think a lot of factors contribute to whether a friendship lasts for a season or a lifetime. As I think back about the people that I considered friends, there were some things that come to mind as to why they lasted or didn't. I think the success of friendships built to last depends on the state of mind, state of heart and state of life of the individuals involved. It also depends on the level of sacrifice and commitment each is willing to make to keep the friendship alive.
I've had both types of friends over the years. I have had many friends for a season but very few friends for a life time. Friendships for a lifetime aren't fun sometimes because they involve people. They are a lot of work. They take patience, nurturing, understanding and unconditional love. Friendships can be likened to gardens. When they are well cared for, time and focus is spent in growing them, the harvest is healthy and beautiful. The converse are friendships and gardens that just last for a season. The results don't justify the care, sacrifice and commitment and it ends in a less fruitful season and harvest.
Recently I have seen the harvest of meaningful friendships that I have made a commitment to sustain for a lifetime. My nature at this point is not to let people into my garden of friendship, there is such risk and I have been hurt so many times. My wisdom, my experience and my faith tell me the gain will far outweigh the risks. After all if I let my fears prevail again like I have done so many times before, I will never know what the fruits of the lifetime harvest might look like for me.
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