Friendship is vital to maintaining good mental and social health. It’s very rare these days to have good friends in our lives because people have different commitments. They may relocate to different parts of the country and develop new relationships. The loss of a spouse or friend can cause a person to isolate themselves even when it has been years since the loss.
Some might be thinking, “Well, if it’s a friend that has moved away, you can always talk on your phone, Skype, or Zoom these days.” I know that sounds good, but it may only satisfy a part of what you really enjoy from the friendship. There is nothing like face-to-face, embracing, affirming, and sharing a place at the table.
There is something within our human spirit that craves affirmation from others. Some people are blessed to be affirmed by their favorite pet. Pets are good and fun to have, but they can never take the place of another human being. Others may have a different opinion from me on that statement, but an animal can never replace the physical touch of you and me. I do realize that there are special pets who seem to have some human characteristics. Therefore, they fulfill a certain need. We may choose an animal to keep us company, but the reality is that there’s nothing compared to the dynamics of another human being to push the right buttons.
I think that future generations are being isolated through the intervention and expansion of technology. The increasing use of cell phones, PC’s, and AI technology prevents people from having physical face-to-face interaction. People from my generation, and perhaps yours, prefer the old-fashioned way of making personal contact and developing friendships with people rather than objects.
Over a lifetime, you may have one or more individuals in your life that you could really call a friend. As they say, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” John 15:13 NLT “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Are you in need of a true friend who understands and can meet your needs in this season of Life? Please consider allowing our Villages Community Chapel to provide you with encouraging friendship, uplifting songs and timely messages for your future.
Celebrate with us and experience the Good Life at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium every Sunday at 10 a.m., where you will be encouraged by the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place where needs are met, faith is affirmed, and new friends are embraced. You can view our worship services on YouTube at www.villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club