I once read, “You have friends for a season, a reason, and for life,” and it couldn’t have hit me harder.

Not everyone is meant to be with you.

You don’t usually have many that make it into the category of friends for life, but it has never been about quantity but the quality of people. When you are at your worst, these are the people who are there for you when you need them. These are also the same people that celebrate with you when great things happen; whether they be big or small, they are there to cheer you on and celebrate your victories.

the friends for all seasons

These are the friends with whom you can talk about anything and know that you will be supported and loved in return. They are privy to your darkest secrets, including those you despise, but no judgment will be passed. Nothing but love exists. To be sure, it’s tough love. No matter what season of life you are in, nothing will change. They are always ready to move past almost anything and walk with you through the door of a new season.

You could also call these your “ride-or-die” friends because they will stick with you until the bitter end. When you feel lonely and go through a back-breaking time, they are one phone call away, and the next thing you know, your face brightens and shines with a beautiful smile. And that’s just what they do: they lighten your load.

Many times when you are too hard on yourself about your mistakes, they remind you of who you are, accept you and look at you just as they do when you are at your highest. When you go off the deep end and reach the lowest, they extend their arms to get you out of your rut.

They know you like no one else, and you know you can always count on them just as you would do the same for them.

the friends for life

Then there are your friends from afar. The ones you can always reach out to and it’s as if nothing has changed. You can pick right back up where you left off—catching up on each other’s lives and reminiscing about old times when you were wrapped in each other’s warm hugs.

Although these friends are far away, you love that the bond has stayed strong. You met some of these people when you were in high school and some when you were in college, but you still keep up with what each other is doing through any way you can. Whatever the situation, you are all there to celebrate each other’s milestones and treasure the moments when you can talk about the things you used to do and feel as if the present is the same as the past.

They help you stay grounded and return to your roots. They were there for you when you were just getting your bearings, and now you can see how far you’ve come from high school and college students to now. You all feel like real adults, and it’s incredible to see how much each of you has grown.

They promise to always be your friend, and you want them to see you through to the end.

the friends for a reason

Then there are your friends who were placed in your life for a reason—the good reason. These are your friends who do life with you, no matter how bumpy life gets. The friendship that serves a great purpose.

In my case, they are my sisters in faith, my prayer warriors, who are there to pray with and for me from the valley to the mountaintop. We might not talk as often, but when we do, it impacts me for the better. Even if it isn’t always the case, I love that when we all get together for our Zoom calls, they last 4-6 hours, and boy do I wish they could last forever. These calls are beyond what words can describe. These are the moments when the Bible talks about iron sharpening iron. That precisely is us.

I can’t be more certain that God put these people in my life, and your life, to keep me, and you, on track. In the same way, I know that God is using me, and you, to have the same impact on them.

we call them friends because that’s what they are

These friends have stuck by you through all of the seasons and for all of the reasons they could have walked away.

They helped you become who you are today and, more importantly, helped you get through some of the most difficult years of your life.

You are grateful and better off because of them. You would not be where you are today if it weren’t for their love, encouragement, and support. You appreciate each and every one of them.

When it comes to friends, you are blessed beyond measure. When it comes to the people who matter and are there for you in your life, you have the best of the best.

as for me…

You guys know who you are. Thank you for being you and always looking out for me and being there through the good and bad.

Not many people can say that they even have one friend that they would consider a friend for life, and I get the great privilege of saying I have more than one, all of whom are lovely.

You guys mean the world to me—friends for life!