Reminiscing of Old Friends

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. (I Corinthians 9:19-22)

During my lifetime I have been fortunate and very blessed to have had many awesome friends.  Some of these friendships have lasted ten, fifteen, or twenty years or more, while some endured for a season never to be seen or heard from again.  As I reflect on those who I have not kept up with, I often wonder where they are or what they are up too.  Most of the relationships formed around common but often differing themes: church, the local pub, employment, and so much more.  What is so amazing to me is how these people have accentuated many varying aspects of life.  (I'm sure the same is equally as true for them.)  These friendships gave flavor and spice beyond the daily grind of trying to eek out a meaningful existence in this world.  For example: the people in my dart league at Molly's Pub, friends visiting with each other at Diedrich's coffee shop on a lazy Saturday morning, the guys at the gym, or eating lunch with the single's group after church on Sunday.  I miss the variety of friendships I formerly had.  As is common knowledge, I have struggled with my residence in Fort Worth.  Much of it resides in my attitude, but much of the time I feel like the puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit where I am placed.  A proverb states, "No matter where I go...there I am."  If it is in my power to do so, I must do as much as possible by taking responsibility for myself if I claim to be out of place.  If I've accomplished everything I can, in good conscience, then I am absolved of trying to force something.  In God's timing, I will be released to move elsewhere.  For the time being, however, I'm stuck.  What can I be doing to live at peace mentally and emotionally while finding a sense of community with a variety of friends?  What a dilemma!  Anyway, the struggle of life continues, but the resulting growth is amazing.  Good night, my friends!  Godspeed and blessings on everyone as each of you search for ultimate meaning in God for this life.