Thursday, January 31, 2008

Friend Divorce

I just went through friend divorce. While not as painful and life shattering as real divorce, it's painful nonetheless.

An old friend and I had last commuicated on less than friendly terms. The other day we sat down to get some resolution like the Good Book says we should. It was clear through body language and cold, professional responses that I was not on his christmas list anymore. (The following may be completely biased, but it's true...) I did the best I could expressing regret and asking forgiveness with what had transpired. I let him know that I cared for him and would do what I could to help if he ever needed it. My open heart was met with a locked door, not just a locked door, but a door with 3 locks and a table with a fat guy sitting on it.. he was closed for bizness! (I often use humor to ease pain)

It's obvious I have been evicted from his life.... a life that I invested in, and still care for. That's the sad thing about divorce, it only takes one person to make it happen.

Here's a few things God has shown me through this:
-You're only responsible for yourself, do what YOU have to.
-God doesn't promise fairytail endings when doing his will in obediance.
-Will I let hurt and dissapointment hinder me from discipling from the heart? I hope not.
-Am I willing to risk losing a relationship to tell the truth? Or would I rather tell people what they want to hear so I can be everyone's buddy?
-I need to be thankful and treasure friends that have stuck around through thick and thin.
-Max is right, to make disciples we need a thick skin and a soft heart.

3 comments:

Amyzing said...

I am very proud of you. You ABSOLUTELY did the right thing in trying to bring about brotherly resolution.

You are an example to be followed.

Love from your Wife.

Peas on Earth said...

I hate that you had to experience this, but I know God will use it ... both in your life and in his. You're right, that all you can be responsible for is yourself, and you must do what you know you need to do and be faithful to what God requires. Beyond that, it's between them and God. Hang in there brother. I know your pain from similar experience, and I'm praying for you.

Jenny said...

Yeah Dan, you're awesome. You did the right thing. And even though it really hurts you've seen some great truth come out of it. And you've got friends in low places. Remember that!