Every Other Sunday

 Every other Sunday. 

That was our schedule to meet up and share life together. What started out as a simple idea quickly turned into a lifeline. 

I met my dear friend Jessmina while checking out different churches in New York City shortly after I moved had there for graduate school. I had moved across the country on my own and was looking to get connected to other Christians and make some friends. New York City can (ironically) be very isolating, so I knew that I needed to develop a good community around me as soon as possible, especially with those that I could relate to spiritually. My path crossed with Jessmina while attending a service at Hillsong NYC. Our friendship was a ignited after realizing that we had much in common.

As we began hanging out on a occasion, our friendship grew and we became a strong support system for one another.  Our dinners and brunches consisted of the usual discussion of grad school whoas, dealing with life in the city, pursuing the dreams in our hearts, and deep discussions about God. We both had challenging issues arise over the course of those two years that we were able to support each other through. We also had exciting times that we were able to celebrate together.

Every time Jessmina and I would meet up and hang out, I always left our time together feeling brighter, lighter, and more focused on life that God was calling me to. We were a mutual blessing and encouragement to one another in the midst of a very busy and fast moving city. It was brilliant.

After a year of these now and then get togethers, I posed the idea to Jessmina to make our hang outs a regularly scheduled event on our calendars. Why not prioritize it and make an intentional effort to regularly support each other? She loved the idea and we quickly agreed to meet up for brunch or coffee every other Sunday afternoon. We not only used this time listen to one another and encourage each other, but also to try amazing cafes and restaurants throughout Greenwich Village, our regular meet up spot (a major win/win in my book!).

Those every other Sunday meet ups gave me much to look forward to. I knew that every other Sunday I would have the guarantee to be heard out by someone who understood me, related to me, and cared about me. I, in turn, would be able to do the same for her. We both gave each other a sense of purpose and served as a sort of guiding light for one another. We laughed together, cried together, and prayed together. What a gift.

As I think back on those Sunday brunches and continue to maintain a friendship with Jessmina across the country, I am reminded so poignantly that we are made for community. It is our lifeline, our fresh air in the midst of the busyness and chaotic demands of life.

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. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT) 

Our ability to share our humanity with others and connect with others is indispensable. Friendships ebb and flow; this is the natural cycle of life and relationships. However, I believe it is vital to have at least one friendship in your current season of life that is intentional and purposed. Pursue it and keep it as a priority. Be intentional with those who reciprocate genuine, healthy friendship. You won't regret it.

How about you? Do you have a regularly scheduled meet up with a friend? What have your experiences with intentional friendships been like? I'd love to hear your experience.

Interested in Jessmina's writings? They are wonderful! Check out her creativity here.