Friendship Is Not Free

Of course, friendship is not free. Making friends and loving them takes time and effort. Along the way, I’ve learned that friendship has an unforeseen cost.

There is a saying I’ve heard many times, and I’ve lived its truth.

A mother is only as happy as her least happy child.

This past month, I’ve lived the following.

A friend is only as happy as her least happy friend.

October has been a hard month for me because three dear friends have had a hard October. Their lives have been changed, which means, in a lesser way, my life has been changed. We walk our paths together.

I’ve had friends experience hard times in the past, so why am I so bonded to my current friends’ sufferings? Am I wiser and value friendship more? Am I more willing to acknowledge and allow pain in my life instead of shoving it aside? Or something else?

Whichever it is, some days—although I may be content and optimistic and trusting God—I’m only as happy as my least happy friend.