My Friend's House

When people have shared experiences, a relational bond begins to form. More experiences can lend themselves to stronger bonds. Such is the case when childhood friends stay in contact through adulthood.

“Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to others.”

Read more: Community in ReunionsRick Warren

Recently, my husband received a phone call that a childhood friend had passed away. His friend that called was asking him to come home and attend the service. He hadn’t been home in over 25 years and home was across the country.

Through the generosity of his friend, it was made possible for us to return home for this sad yet joyous occasion. The passing of a common friend was bringing many people together. Another bond was being formed in their friendships as they came together again, even though it was many years later.

Some friends were doing quite well for themselves materialistically speaking. Others were facing health challenges and then there were others that were still living relationally from childhood times but seemingly had not formed new relationships since. Still, they all shared a time that had held them together after all these years. They even called each other by their childhood nick names!

All of us have some type of community from the past coming from shared experiences. Schools, sports, neighborhoods and church groups are all communities that we have been a part. The interesting thing about those shared experiences is that many times when a reunion takes place it provides an opportunity to share years later what has changed in your life.

Consider the next time you have a reunion of sorts, i.e. Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas, the opportunity to share what Jesus has done in your life since the last time you have been together. Maybe He has taken you on a different vocational path or sustained you and provided for you since you last were together. Whatever it might be, go prepared to share at the reunion the goodness and faithfulness of God. Display what a personal relationship with Jesus looks like.

❤️PRAY ❤️LOOK ❤️LISTEN ❤️ENGAGE