One of Joe’s and my best friends, Bryan Citrin, told me a few weeks ago, “Ann, I appreciate how our friendship is free from all geographical constraints.” It sounded casual at the time, but it’ actually a very deep idea.
Joe and Bryan happened to cross paths while Joe was on his first Live Offensively summer tour. Since then they have become the best of friends. Now, I even consider Bryan one of my closest friends, and invited him on Joe’s and my last big adventure to Zion National Park. This famous national park in Utah is known for its sheer red walls, world-class climbing, and hidden slot canyons. You could spend an entire lifetime exploring Zion and there would still be things that you hadn’t done!
I thought a lot about what Bryan said. Most of my friendships are not limited by where I live or where my friends live. I mean my time spent with certain friends is definitely limited by geographic location, but the quality of our friendship isn’t. Two of my closest friends in particular live in California. I spent time with Allie and Katie in June right before my wedding. We hadn’t seen each other for two years but we picked right back up where we left off. I love these girls! In fact, if it weren’t for our shared love of adventure and travel, I probably would never have met them.
On the other hand, three of my best friends – Kim, Halley, and Emily – live in my hometown of Rapid City, SD. There is no doubt that the depth and intimacy of our friendships is a result of living in the same city for so many years. I have been blessed to have spent so much time with each one of them growing up. We all have our unique memories and stories. Now that we are married, Joe and I have plans to move to Colorado Springs in a couple months. Once again, my time spent with Kim, Halley, and Emily may decrease, but I pray that the quality of these friendships does not. Fortunately, I have been able to stay intentional about my friendships with all of these girls, making it a priority to talk on the phone and stay connected through Facebook.
Joe and I agree that personal friendships not only benefit a good marriage, but are essential to it. The two of us have really deep relationships that are spread across the country. I have learned how deep these connections are through time and maturity. God has blessed us with great friends who have been such an encouragement in our marriage. Joe and I pray that in the future God will continue to bless us with adventurous, wild, God-fearing friends.
“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
