Recently I signed up on Facebook, the website designed to help connect with friends, celebrate friendship and share every day life. Initially I was reluctant to join this new electronic phenomenon, primarily because of time constraints. With some coaching from my daughter, an avid Facebook fan, I took the plunge.
I have now connected with a large number of former College friends, most of my extended family, friends from former congregations and workplaces, and friends and acquaintances in my current world. Through this vehicle, I have created a new community - one that is formed thanks to technology.
The soul hungers for friendship. It’s a basic human need, like water, food and rest. When we are part of a community, we are given all the essentials needed for growth and development. Whether we understand it or not, our friendships shape us -- our character and our attitudes towards others, circumstances and life. Friends help us live life in-the-now and support us to move into the future with hope, faith, sound advice and a good dose of optimism.
The famed Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “I didn’t find my friends…God gave them to me.“ God works through people. He arranges them to come into our lives at various points, times and seasons.
Some friendships are seasonal. Others don’t stay at the same depth level. Some become disconnected from regular connection but they truly care. Then there are those who commit to the long haul and leave an indelible mark on our lives. They are priceless and irreplaceable. All of our friendships are necessary for growth. Friends play a vital part in our lives no matter of the duration, frequency of communication or the level of depth we achieve together. We become the people we are because of our friendships.
Do some friendships go array? Are there times of betrayal? Is there pain in friendship gone wrong? Absolutely! These too are part of our learning and growing even though painful!
As I look through all my current friends on Facebook, I recall situations, moments and times that are marked in my memory as special, meaningful, and yes, life-changing. But Facebook cannot capture the depth of heartfelt love and support that one feels in recalling those moments. Facebook cannot record the prayer that is lifted when a picture is viewed or some information shared. Facebook connects but cannot express the support and encouragement that goes beyond mere words to a heart and spirit language that conveys its own message.
Friendship is a treasured gift from the past, an enriching support in the present and a lasting legacy for the future. Value friendship - it is the essence of life!
Margaret Gibb
I have now connected with a large number of former College friends, most of my extended family, friends from former congregations and workplaces, and friends and acquaintances in my current world. Through this vehicle, I have created a new community - one that is formed thanks to technology.
The soul hungers for friendship. It’s a basic human need, like water, food and rest. When we are part of a community, we are given all the essentials needed for growth and development. Whether we understand it or not, our friendships shape us -- our character and our attitudes towards others, circumstances and life. Friends help us live life in-the-now and support us to move into the future with hope, faith, sound advice and a good dose of optimism.
The famed Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “I didn’t find my friends…God gave them to me.“ God works through people. He arranges them to come into our lives at various points, times and seasons.
Some friendships are seasonal. Others don’t stay at the same depth level. Some become disconnected from regular connection but they truly care. Then there are those who commit to the long haul and leave an indelible mark on our lives. They are priceless and irreplaceable. All of our friendships are necessary for growth. Friends play a vital part in our lives no matter of the duration, frequency of communication or the level of depth we achieve together. We become the people we are because of our friendships.
Do some friendships go array? Are there times of betrayal? Is there pain in friendship gone wrong? Absolutely! These too are part of our learning and growing even though painful!
As I look through all my current friends on Facebook, I recall situations, moments and times that are marked in my memory as special, meaningful, and yes, life-changing. But Facebook cannot capture the depth of heartfelt love and support that one feels in recalling those moments. Facebook cannot record the prayer that is lifted when a picture is viewed or some information shared. Facebook connects but cannot express the support and encouragement that goes beyond mere words to a heart and spirit language that conveys its own message.
Friendship is a treasured gift from the past, an enriching support in the present and a lasting legacy for the future. Value friendship - it is the essence of life!
Margaret Gibb
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