by Erin Blubaugh

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: August 06, 2010

The term soul mate is no ginger assignation; very few people qualify for such a special place in the heart.  Luckily, however, there are many different types of friendships to connect us to others, all of which contain some of the best qualities a relationship can offer.  Now more than ever, with the internet, cell phones, and other technologies, we are able to reach out to people around us, some of whom we may have never met face-to-face.  Whether connecting with a long-time confidante or a new associate, we increase the quality of our lives, sharing some of the best features our wide array of friendships has to offer.  We are a species so fortunate so have such ample opportunity for love, kindness and acceptance. 

Some of our friendships are best defined as associations.  Associations represent a pool of people with whom we share work, a hobby, or a state in life, such as parenthood or being a student.  While these affiliations do not run quite as deep as a close-knit friendship, they provide important benefits.  They may make work more enjoyable or provide necessary reassurance that you are indeed fulfilling your responsibilities adequately.  Even better, these friends help to broaden our thinking, expanding the way we think about a particular role in life or providing more information so that we make stronger decisions.  They may encourage us to work harder, putting in the extra effort to excel.  As Proverbs 27:17 puts it, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”  Associates who have more experience can also serve as mentors, pointing out areas of improvement that will aid us in more successfully yielding to our role as parent, practitioner or artist.  Best yet, sometimes our associates become part of our close network of friends, people whose company we enjoy and the web of support we rely on in times of need.

Every one of us experiences life in cycles.  At times there is that highly-quested, brief contentment when all is well.  Storms have been weathered, challenges overcome, and the harvest of peace and contentment is at its zenith.  Sometimes it seems, however, that just as we begin to revel in our blessings, the phase passes and life presents new issues. During these moments, we have the privilege to turn to those who care for us, who help us navigate the tough downturns.  No matter how devastating a loss or exhausting a struggle, these friends

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