Short Thought continued.....

Anam Cara - soul friend

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Five years ago, when visiting my husband who was working overseas,

I met a woman who was to become one of my soul friends.

She was en-route to work elsewhere as a missionary; I was visiting.

Yet, the providence of God was such that when we met at the home

of mutual friends, we immediately felt a strong connection.

 

Although initially our paths diverged - hers to Africa, mine to Malta –

our soul connection was strong enough for us to build a good friendship

when we both found ourselves unexpectedly living back in the UK.

 

We didn’t know that we would both suffer a prolonged period of ill health.

Nor just how blessed our friendship would be as we navigated the enforced changes.

We became two soul friends, established by God to walk alongside each other.

 

Recently, I visited her in her home in the North West.

We were sitting and talking about the difficulties and struggles.

For different reasons, we are living solitary lives, and miss the joy of community,

of knowing others and of being known well.

 

Ill health brought with it new limitations.

Adjusting to the new ‘normal’ requires internal and external change that we are still figuring out.

Sometimes we become overwhelmed with loss, with isolation, with purposelessness.

At those times, the support we are able to offer each other as we navigate

our new limitations enriches and encourages us.

The joy of a soul friend to walk through the struggles,

who challenges and loves us regardless is testimony to God’s grace.

 

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

(Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV)

 

Thought: We were never meant to live alone.  

Who can you offer support and encouragement to?

Who do you feel led to reach out to and befriend?

 

Prayer: Reflect on those around you who can support and encourage you.  

Give thanks for them.

Sometimes we find ourselves feeling isolated and alone:

reflect on who could be a soul friend for you.  

Pray and ask God to give you the courage to reach out to them.

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