My friendship with George started as a trip to IKEA to buy a table. I’m not sure you can walk in IKEA, find what you need, and get out in less than 2 hours. But it’s especially doubtful when you’re with an IKEA newbie. And my new friend George was definitely newbie. We spent hours trying out every bed, couch, chair, and drawer that might be interesting.

Our friendship was always like that: an adventure.

Throughout our days together, our adventures continued inside and outside of our office. But then the adventures came to an end. George accepted a new job and was moving to Minnesota. I was happy for him, even with the sadness of losing a dear friend. I wasn’t sure what daily life in our office would be like. Now it wouldn’t be our office. Who would I call when I needed wood-working expertise? I knew I needed to stop worrying about all the changes that would take place after he left because I was happy for George. But was I happy for us?

Later, when we stood outside his packed moving truck waiting to say goodbye, I knew our friendship was set to change. There was an awkward silence as neither of us knew what to say.

I suppose a good friend moving is like any other loss. It’s almost as if he’s still here in spirit. When I revisit places we experienced together, George isn’t there with me, and at times that makes me lonely. Other times I just smile and remember the adventure we shared.

I still see George sometimes, and we still talk on the phone. But our friendship is different now. At times, I’m good with that. Other times, I wish I could have him here just to hang out with for the afternoon.

Are you dealing with the pain of a friendship that has changed? Maybe your friend didn’t move away, but the two of you just aren’t as close as you used to be. Maybe you had a fight, and the chasm of hurt feelings hasn’t closed. Whatever the situation, you feel lonely without your friend by your side.

If you’re missing a close friend today, I invite you to pray and read through these verses with me:

God, sometimes I struggle with friendships that aren’t as close as they used to be. Help me not to feel alone.

Do not be afraid—I will save you.
I have called you by name—you are mine.
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you;
your troubles will not overwhelm you….
d Do not be afraid—I am with you! —Isaiah 43:1b-2, 5a

God, thank you for loving me and my friends. Thank you for being the ultimate friend and showing us what true friendship looks like.

The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. And you are my friends if you do what I command you.I do not call you servants any longer, because servants do not know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father. — John 15:14-15 (GNTD)

Thank you for people who care about me and are part of my life. Help me to learn about your love so that I can share it with others.

Sing to theLord, and praise him!
Proclaim every day the good news that he has saved us.
Proclaim his glory to the nations,
his mighty deeds to all peoples. — Psalm 96:1-2 (GNTD)