Friendship

Sweet Friendships Refresh the Soul

Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence. Proverbs 27:9 (TPT)

My favorite place to be is the beach. I love sitting on my condo balcony, listening to the waves rush to shore as the breeze gently blows. For me, it’s a place where I can take deep, refreshing breaths and feel the bigness of God. Each year, I visit the Gulf Coast between St. Pete Beach and Clearwater. A few years ago, I celebrated my 50th birthday with a girls’ trip to Madeira Beach. My girlfriend, Carla, wasn’t able to join me on that adventure, but I told her how beautiful it was and how much my girlfriends and family enjoyed our time there.

Carla and her husband, Brian, had never visited the Gulf side of Florida on their trips to the southern state. Brian, my husband Ken’s college roommate, has history with him. Carla is easy to love and get to know. She’s full of wisdom, empathy, and good humor. She’s the kind of friend who celebrates others and loves the Lord with her whole heart. You know you’re seen and heard when you’re with her. She loves a good cup of coffee and is always ready for a new adventure. We have history, too.

Brian and Carla know Ken and me—the good, the bad, and the ugly. They always love us, pray with us, speak life to us, and are our people. The one hurdle in our friendship is distance. They live in Minnesota, and we live in Ohio. We don’t get to spend the quantity of time with these amazing people that we’d want. I hope we live in the same neighborhood when we get to heaven!

As a school teacher, I don’t get many days off during the school year. I get three personal days each year, and I try to save mine to coordinate with our Easter Break. This beach getaway recharges me as we enter the dreaded state testing season. It’s a break from the cold, fussy weather of Ohio. In Florida, creation blooms with green life. The days are warm but not hot—the kind of weather I wish for 365 days a year. It’s a place to forget, just for a while, the cares of tomorrow. It’s an easy place for me to seek first God’s kingdom, cast my cares in His direction, and not worry about anything! That’s why this trip was so special. 

Aging brings changes. I used to be so energized by people, a true extrovert. As life has happened, I find others draining. I enjoy recharging in solitude and tranquil spaces. I’ve created a few places for myself—some in my home, some out in nature—but my favorite is the beach. Ken and I are enjoying that space right now as I write.

When Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, He revealed something marvelous: “For your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8 (NLT). What a precious truth to hold onto! God knows what I need before I realize it, and I bring it to Him in prayer. What a good Father we have! He pays attention to us. He’s attuned to our needs. He hears our hearts’ cry before it’s even uttered.

But God had a surprise in store. On Sunday morning, I received a text from Carla: “Brian just ran a 5K on Madeira Beach to celebrate his 55th birthday! And he took 2nd! What a lovely place this is.” I replied, “We’re in Indian Shores right now. Like 10 minutes from you.” She sent back, “Whaaaaaaaaat!!! Are you kidding me???????” I invited them to join us for brunch.

We spent the day catching up, sitting on the beach with toes in the sand, ministering to each other’s souls. We spoke life, shared burdens, watched the sunset, broke bread, and celebrated Brian’s birthday. The next day, both couples traveled to Orlando to have dinner with my son Bryce and his girlfriend, Linnea. It was important to Bryce that Brian and Carla met Linnea. Bryce shared with her, “Brian and Carla are like family. He’s like a brother to my dad. He’s the kind of friend I want to be and have in my life. We all need a Brian.”

The boys did some go-carting, while Carla and I enjoyed the evening in each other’s company. Brian and Carla make it easy to be your authentic self. With them, we can let our guards down and be ourselves. Ken, who has been dealing with some recent health issues, needed a night just like this. A moment when life’s burdens lift and laughter ensues. When I asked Ken to describe his feelings, he said, “It was just so much joy.”

As the Children of Israel responded to God’s word with repentance, they were weeping and mourning their sinful condition. Nehemiah urged them to celebrate, for “the joy of the LORD is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT). In John 15, Jesus calls us to abide in Him and love each other as He loves us, promising that “your joy will overflow” John 15:11 (NLT). Brian and Carla are this kind of joy-bringers. They love us the way Jesus commanded and bring His joy with them. That God-given joy is the strength that sustains our hearts. It revives and refreshes.

Brian and Carla have walked through life with us and fought spiritual battles alongside us. “A friend shows his friendship at all times—it is for adversity that such a brother is born.” Proverbs 17:17 (TPT). They are like our brother and sister, carrying the strength of the Lord through the joy of Jesus. The Lord is so good because He knew, even before we asked, just what we needed. He provided at just the right time. All praise and glory be given to our Father who cares so much for us. His provision is never late and never fails. I’m so grateful for friends like Brian and Carla, who remind us of God’s perfect timing and boundless love.

How has God surprised you with His perfect timing, like providing a friend or moment of joy when you needed it most? Reflect on a time when God met a need before you even asked, and consider journaling or praying about what this reveals about His care for you.

Who in your life brings you the “joy of the Lord” as a strength, like Brian and Carla do for me? Think about how these friends reflect Jesus’ love, and how you can thank them or deepen those relationships to grow in faith together.

Where is your personal “beach”—a place or practice that helps you recharge and seek God’s kingdom first? Identify one way you can intentionally spend time in that space this week to cast your cares on God and listen for His voice.

How can you abide in Jesus’ love, as described in John 15, to experience overflowing joy? Consider one practical step (e.g., praying, serving others, or studying scripture) to obey His command to love others as He loves you, and notice how it impacts your heart.

What burdens are you carrying that you can share with a trusted friend or bring to God in prayer? Inspired by Proverbs 17:17, reach out to a friend who can pray with you or remind you of God’s strength, and trust that God knows your needs before you ask.