Friendship is one of the richest gifts God gives us on this side of heaven. Some friends walk into our lives and stay for a lifetime. They weather the storms with us, celebrate our wins, and quietly sit with us in our pain. They are the ones who see us fully and love us still. They are reflections of God’s grace and faithfulness.

But not every friendship lasts forever. And that reality can be unexpectedly painful. Sometimes, people we once shared everything with begin to drift. Life pulls us in different directions. Priorities shift, seasons change, and without any great offense or wrongdoing, distance grows. We can certainly experience grief when we lose someone who was once a regular and/or important part of our world.

And yet, even in this loss, there is something sacred. God is not wasteful with relationships. Every friend we’ve had, whether for a moment, a season, or a lifetime, was part of God’s plan. Some friendships teach us, shape us, and help us grow. Others walk with us through particular valleys or mountaintops. All of them are meaningful.

It’s okay to mourn friendships that fade. Jesus Himself experienced the pain of relational loss. He had friends who betrayed, denied, or simply couldn’t walk the whole journey with Him. And still, He loved fully, knowing the nature of people and the purpose of timing.

If you’re in a season of holding tightly to a lifelong friend, thank God for that treasure. If you’re grieving the quiet ending of a friendship, invite God into that ache. And if you’re meeting new friends, trust that He is orchestrating even that. Happy Monday, friends! Blessings on the week ahead. 😊