A pioneering band of researchers has recently studied the age old mystery of what makes people happy, and their answer is not what might be expected. What comes up consistently at the top of the charts is not sucess, good looks, or any of those enviable assets. The clear winner is relationships- close relationships.

They are the best of things. They are the worst of things. They are opportunities for joy- and invitations to grief. They are summer laughter- and autumn loss. Nothing can crush them. ANything can crush them. Paradoxical, complex, they are women’s relationships with women.

Ah, we women like to do things together. We eat out together, shop together, take trips together, even go to the bathroom together. We enjoy- and desperately need- the companionship of female friends who giggle, cry, listen and encourage.

But women are so interesting to me. We often view other women as competition. We criticize and gossip about each other. We hug the “winner’s” in life’s pageants, while hating themin our hearts. We fuss over little things. We go from good friends to “not speaking” in a blink of an eye. If women, like men, preferred independence and fact, life would be simple (and boring). Instead we are relational and emotional. So, women need women.

The Bible has may tales of women friendships. Some are in detail; some only hinted at. These stories show how women relate for the good and the bad.
* Sarah and Hagar apparently got along fine until the day Sarah decided to volunteer her servant for substitute motherhood.
* Naomi and Ruth survived a crises together. Much credit goes to Ruth, who hung tough in spite of her grieving mother- in -law’s misguided advice and thoughtless remarks. Credit goes to Naomi for wise match making. Ruth’s lineage has impacted evry generation after her for good.
* Elizabeth and Mary applauded God and encouraged each other when they both found them selves pregnant with sons who would change the world.
* Mary and Martha had their share of conflict until each gave the other room to serve God in her own way.
* Lois and Eunice modeled genuine faith for young Timothy and taught him truths on which he could build his life.

And many more I am sure. You see relationships are intricate, but ever so valuable. How can you get through life with out true friendships? Yes, they take work just like any relationship but as the research shows, “relationships are what truely make people happy".

So, by the grace of the God who indwells us, may we “love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22)

Lord who sanctifies, thank you for the women in my life. May my relationships with them further Your purposes and honor Your name.