Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT

There are seasons where friends come and go, it is just a part of life, and when that happens it never really gets easier. In my life, I was given a precious gift in elementary, I just did not know how valuable that gift was that God gave me until about five years ago.
My friend Sara and I used to spend a lot of time together when we were little. Unfortunately, when we left elementary we ended up in different Junior High and High Schools.
After graduating High School, I started working for an insurance company. It just so happened Sara started working there for a brief time, and in the same department as my mom. Seeing Sara was like seeing an angel. She has this beautiful smile that welcomes everyone in and when she is talking to you, you feel like you are the only person in her world! We got to know each other and our daughters spent some time together when they were little.
Life took each of us on different roads, hers were good roads and mine were not so good. However, in my darkest times I could still see her smile.
Five years ago, Sara and I reconnected. We met up at church, became a part of their life group and she has been the most precious and treasured friend I could have ever asked for.
When I think of friendships and what they mean, I think of Sara. I know that God was working in her life molding and shaping her to be that friend I would need to show me what it looks like to love Jesus.
Sara is the one person that I can go to and talk about anything without being judged, and at the same time not just telling me what I want to hear, but sending me to the scriptures.
Proverbs 27:17 tells us that like iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another.
As you look for qualities in true friendships, remember that verse. Look for that person that will be encouraging you, building you up, most of all praying for you and pointing you to scripture.
I can look back through all of these years and know without a doubt God created us to be friends from the beginning in the unique ways He kept bringing us back together.
We all need a Sara in our life, and I do not know what I did to deserve her but not a day goes by I do not thank Jesus for her and hope someday someone can look at me and say the same thing about me. That when they look at me, they can see Jesus shining through.
I love you Sara!