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Friends

 

I am so blessed to have a circle of really good friends in my life. I am a definite introvert so find it really easy to simply stay home, especially if I have a good book to read. I am an avid reader of Christian fiction.

However, I do know that it is better that I have some socialization. Research shows that isolation increases the risk of an early death as well as the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease so obviously I want to avoid that if possible. Research also shows that socialization is good for brain health including making your memory sharper as well as increasing well-being and feelings of belonging.

Although as an introvert I find socialization can be a little exhausting, I do enjoy time with my friends and it makes me happy. Introverts tend to have a few very close friends whilst extroverts tend to be friends with everyone and find socialization energizing—strangers are only ‘friends they haven’t yet met’! Now that is of course a very broad generalization, but is just to demonstrate my point that I rejuvenate with time by myself even though I enjoy spending time with my close friends.

During the COVID lockdowns I invited my close friends to form a Life Group online. We met weekly via messenger for a Bible study but also messaged each other frequently dipping in and out of each other’s lives and checking up on each other. After the lockdown was over we started meeting physically for Bible study, continuing to grow closer and support and care about each other. There was always someone in our group available if needed. Our Bible study is now open to all women, but in those early days we developed such a closeness that we keep our Life Group as a separate entity.  After our Bible Study has completed, our Life Group meets at a local café for lunch continuing to support, encourage and listen to each other. We know we can share anything about our past, our present and our dreams for the future, about worries or issues we are dealing with and we are safe to do so. That is a very precious gift. I always come away feeling encouraged, feeling loved, feeling heard.

God’s Word says a sweet friendship refreshes the soul (Proverbs 27:9), friends honour each other above themselves (Romans 12:10) and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

I hope that you each have the gift of at least one person who does this for you.

#blogger #Christian #life #retired #friends

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