The past couple of days, I attended a work meeting in Cedar Rapids with other therapists from across the state of Iowa, who do the same thing as I do on a daily basis. So, we convene and listen to speakers who challenge us to do our jobs as best we can and encourage discussion on how we can better serve the kids and families we work with. It is also a chance to visit with friends and colleagues who we may not see that often and catch up a bit. I had a friend who retired last year and we would annually talk about our families and what trips we had taken or had planned that year, as well as other aspects of our work lives. It was just a nice opportunity to stop, reflect, and even re-prioritize what had happened over the past year. Do you have anyone you meet with on an irregular basis, but feel that is beneficial for you both?
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25
I have a friend who I have known for over 20 years that I met at a church I attended at that time. We have inconsistently talked, prayed, and visited each other over the years. He lived in Colorado for over ten of those years and I often made an annual trip out to visit him and we would go skiing/boarding together at a number of resorts over that time as it sort of became a tradition. We discussed a variety of life issues over that time, shared our struggles, and prayed for one another as well, either in person or over the phone. In recent years, he has become estranged from his family and children, and has even become suspect of many churches or much of traditional Christianity, though holds fast to his faith, as that is the only foundation that seems stable in his life right now. As a friend, I hate to see him struggle, though much of it is self imposed, I struggle to find ways to help other than practical things. Have you ever struggled to know what to do in some relationships?
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21
When I am in doubt, I turn to God and his Word for guidance and helpful advice. I also very much appreciate having people in my life that I trust and can lean on at times for second opinions and corroboration of what I am thinking or considering. My wife is that main person who I do daily life with, but there are a few others as well. Do you have trusted friends that you can talk to honestly and candidly? I pray that God gives you what you need in your relational needs and you look forward to meeting with them regularly.
Yours in Christ,
Clark
