There are some friendships that never cease to amaze me.  No matter how long it has been since I have seen these friends, we slip back into the ease and comfort of our friendship like we never missed a beat.  These friends are like the old, worn in t-shirts I have–so comfortable to have on and I always feel at my best because of the comfort they bring. 

This weekend, my friend, who I have known since birth, came to visit.  He and I literally have known each other our entire lives (except for the 1 month and 5 days that separate us–yes, I am the older and wiser one).  We grew up together and shared many memories together since our families were best friends.  We had not seen each other in two years, but it took all but 30 seconds for us to catch up and find our groove that only thirty years of friendship can provide.  After a couple of hours of catching up on the basics, I found myself engaged in what we do best together:  brainstorming and dreaming about our lives, bouncing ideas off each other at how to live authentically in our current state of life, and having every philosophical conversation about faith, politics, and education that we can. 

I am so thankful for friendships like his that are an integral part of my support system. 

Which friendships provide you long-lasting, life-giving support?
Who in your life helps you live authentically and be the very best version of yourself?

What do these friendships teach us about our own relationship with God?

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.