ex•tro•vert
noun
an outgoing, overly expressive person.
synonyms: outgoing person, sociable person, socializer, life of the party
I struggle with military moves: packing, dates, appointments, and goodbyes. But my biggest struggle is picking the right friends when we arrive at our next duty station. As an extrovert, I don’t struggle meeting new people or initiating friendships. Like a lot of military spouses, I can meet you and know your whole life story in a matter of an hour. What if I told you that what seem to be positive attributes have actually been stumbling blocks? For me, the actual struggle is picking wholesome friends rather than people who simply have free time and open schedules so that my social love tank stays full.
With another military move coming up in two weeks I’m starting to realize my focus should be on God and my home. I need to be intentional to plan my social schedule around the people who are right under my roof – my family – and if I have time and energy after their needs are first met, then seek out meaningful relationships.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Are we finding those friends who help us focus on eternity rather than tomorrow’s get together? Proverbs 12:26 says, “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Honestly, I have been there
If this is your struggle, like me, I urge you to take your eyes off of you before your next transition and keep your eyes fixed on Him. Look to Him for guidance when picking new friends. In fact, let Him do the picking!
1 Peter 5:7 says, “give all of your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” He wants us in community with others, but cares to connect us with the right people. If we pray intently for those right relationships, He will guide the way!
Key Concept: Pleasing God in our friendships requires intentionality.
Day 1– Memory Verse – Proverbs 12:26- One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
Day 2– From this week’s memory verse, what specifically did you learn about God’s character? What do you think being righteous means? Given God’s character and your personality, who are the “right” kind of people for you to befriend?
Day 3– Now that you have a better understanding of righteousness, how can you live more rightly? In order to have wholesome friends we want to be a good influence ourselves. Ask God to reveal and help you remove any heart attitudes or habits that are not pleasing to Him.
Day 4– When looking at your most special treasured friendships, in what way do you feel that God has chosen these friends to be in your life? How do these friends encourage your relationship with God and your family? Pray and thank God for these people!
Day 5– Lastly, it is important for us to be continually checking the sometimes changing nature of our friendships. In James 1:5 we are reminded, “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Is there a friendship you are unsure of today? I encourage you to pray about it and know that God will give you wisdom in that situation.
Submitted by Kristen Busuego, pictured above left with Andrea Plotner.
