July 8, 2008
When You Leave Friends Behind
By Catey Yuen, RTF Staff Writer
I’m a social person. I’ve always had a lot of friends since I was really young. But when I moved from California to Colorado two summers ago, all of that changed.
When you’ve lived in the same state your whole life, it’s easy to stay in contact with people. After all, most of the people you know you’ve known for a while. Almost all of my friends came from the church I’d been going to for years. It required very little for me to meet new people and still hang out with the old ones.
Then we moved and it all changed.
I had to rely on emails and phone calls to be with friends. My sister (who is often quiet and reserved 
with people) immediately met a neighbor girl who she hung out with. My mom connected with people in the neighborhood, and I stayed at home, staring blankly at my computer screen, hoping someone would take pity on me and write.
I lasted over a whole summer and into the next school year before I met people. It’s easy to lose focus as it comes to friends, whether we have a lot or none.
Here are some tips I found helpful for the times when it’s hard to keep things in perspective.
Keep Jesus first
Jesus is the best friend out there- he’s always there, he’ll never betray you, and his advice is perfect. It sounds cliché, but talking to Jesus is way better than talking to anyone else. He’ll help you keep your priorities straight and be there for you.
Look at your heart
Have a focus and a purpose bigger than just hanging around with friends. Make sure your reasons for wanting a friend are right. I know that one of the main reasons I wanted to have a friend is because I always had friends, and I thought my life would be empty without them.
Treasure the friends you’ve made in the past
A real friend doesn’t leave another behind. If you no longer live close to a friend, still treasure their relationship and make an effort to talk to them.
Use the time you’re given wisely
God put you in the place you’re in for a good reason. Maybe you can use the extra time to get to know God better, practice your skills, and spend time with your family. You might find you enjoy that better than constantly being out with friends. If you do have friends, use the time you’re given to get to know them more and encourage each other.
Rely on God
He’s always there. He’ll get you through whatever times you’re going through.
JillY says:
PERFECTLY said! Is He enough? If no one else were ever around….is Jesus enough? He is MORE than enough! And he is evident in you!
Aunty says:
God is a jealous God and sometimes He leaves us alone in those desert places because He wants ALL of us. It is wonderful to have a God that really wants to be with us, isn’t it? Sometimes God is with us through our friends and that’s cool too, but He doesn’t always work like that.
Debbie says:
Good stuff, Catey! Keep up the awesome work!
Debbie
Shane says:
Great Post Catey,
I know exactly what you are talking about with moving from NM. And you are so right that you have to use your time wisely and not get too wrapped up in being lonely and complaining. Keep up the good work!
Shane