When I was 28, I met and became friends with Eleanor, a widow in her 70s, at my church. We became fast friends and we are kindred spirits. When we talk it seems like the 46-year difference in our ages evaporates.
I listen to her experiences, her views, and her advice, and I have found her perspective invaluable.
Because of my friendship with Eleanor, I often think about my relationships with older people. But I’ve also realized that I need to be intentional in cultivating friendships with younger women too.
It seems the time is ripe for us — women of many ages — to find each other and to get to know each other. I have a feeling that we, like Naomi and Ruth, have much to offer each other and will find that God will provide for us through those relationships.
This message is adapted from “Unexpected friendships” written by Rebecca Kasten that first appeared in the December 2007 issue of Café e-magazine.