CHOOSE Joy in Platonic Relationships
August ended and September began with a lot of emotions. Our campus reopened to welcome thousands of new students and even more returning ones. Settling into my new home has been a beautiful blessing and full of adventure. And as fall weather
creeps in, the crisp mornings and cool evenings have left me in an ultra contemplative mode.
I’m thinking about what I was doing this time last year. I’m thinking about new seasons, new adventures and new connections. And I’m thinking about the people who have held me down, not only during these recent transitions, but throughout my life.
My longest-standing, active and consistent friendship is 21 years old. There are others – from undergrad, grad school, Peace Corps, various jobs and my current city of residence – that span from 30 plus years to just a few months. These are the people I laugh and cry with, share my highest AND lowest moments with… those who cheer me on and who I support in their endeavors. These relationships remain a central reason for why I retain hope in the world and continue to see goodness in humanity. These relationships bring me great joy and provide room for me to give, love, accept, be accepted, forgive, celebrate, REST, and restore in community.
On today, this month, and so very often, I am grateful for my FRIENDS! It is no secret that I miss those I’m no longer in physical proximity to. It is also no secret that my time in my new city has been one big bundle of experimentation, pivots and trials in establishing deep, meaningful, purposeful AND mutually beneficial relationships. I’m appreciative of where I am today and who I walk alongside. My life is richer. My heart bigger. My gratitude that much more overflowing because of YOU. Thank you for journeying with me.
On today and everyday, I am celebrating my platonic friends. I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the beautiful blessing in FRIENDS. Yes, we get to experience love in all sorts of wonderful ways. Let’s not take our friends for granted in this love overflow.
Photos by Clarke Sanders , Junior REIS and Zach Vessels on Unsplash
Kiesha James
Love this post, Sabrina!! I agree – it’s such a rich experience to have friendships that journey with us. I too have found myself thankful for authentic friendships..
Sabrina T Cherry
Thank you Kiesha! And YES! I now know just how rare these relationships are, what a TREASURE it is to have them and how much value they add to my life 💜.
LaToya
Solid friendships that span decades are a rarity in this time but shouldn’t be. I smiled reading your post because I have those friendships and I’m extremely blessed and sincerely grateful for them! It’s so important to have these relationships in our adult lives. And it’s equally important that we show up for those who do the same for us. I chose to find joy in every day God gives me and it’s sweeter knowing I can laugh, cry, celebrate, and kee-kee with my friends. Thanks for sharing!
Sabrina T Cherry
YES they are and honestly, who knew! I think a part of it is meeting so many wonderful folks at MBC – I just assumed life would continue to flow with these sort of deep connections. But like you, I am so incredibly grateful and absolutely see their value in my life. Thank YOU for reading, sharing and commenting. XO
Shantel Jackson
I’m thankful daily for the people in my life who are living, breathing evidence that God is real. You are one of those people. So grateful for you! This was beautiful!
Sabrina T Cherry
Shantel, I appreciate them – YOU – so much more than I have in previous years. I never realized how precious and rare these relationships are. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Gwenda Grant
You are my SUNSHINE. Friendship took on a new meaning when I met you. You have encouraged me in ways that cannot be expressed in words. When I think of you my soul leaps with joy and energetic love. You have planted, you have watered and God gave the increase into my life. I look forward to many more experiences in the growth and expansion of our Friendship. You are my Sunshine.
Sabrina T Cherry
Mrs. Gwenda, I have and continue to learn so much through my friendships – including ours! I’m grateful for the memories we’ve shared, especially how something as awful as the pandemic gifted us with time and space to grow. I love you to pieces and am forever appreciative of the treasures we’ve co-created. THANK YOU for supporting my blog ~ love you! 💜