“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” JOHN 15:13 ESV 

If you’ve lived in the same place for a long time and you are wired to build deep friendships, you may find that today your friendship plate is full! (If you’ve got morning coffee scheduled with one friend, lunch with another, and dinner with your childhood bestie, that’s what we call a full plate.) But maybe you’re the girl who’s hungering for the kind of friend who you can share the deep stuff of your life with. 

It’s important that you hear me say very clearly that you’re not a victim of happenstance when it comes to your friendships. Whether you’re new in town or living in the community where you were born, you have a say in this thing! And while it can be easy to get stuck in self-pity if you don’t have the friendships that you wish you had, Jesus’ clear command can be our guide: “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12 NIV). Rather than waiting for someone to come after you, take the initiative! Invite one of your coworkers out for dinner. Grab coffee with the woman at church you are intrigued by. Visit with the church mother who is homebound. You can be proactive to build the kinds of friendships that bring life to you and others. 

Make two lists: In the first list, give thanks for the friends in your life, near and far. In the second list, begin to brainstorm those you can pursue. 

Jesus, I am receiving Your command to love others the way that You love me. Guide my steps as I reach out to others with Your love. Amen.