When I say I really wanted to spend more time having coffee with friends, talking on the phone, walking and talking - I really wanted to. I needed to be encouraged and wanted to be intentional, it was worth the investment and I was committed. As with many of my plans - I can count on my hand the times this year this happened.
What I needed I got but not in the way I planned. Though not as planned what I got were glimpses into the lives of friends who are making it, living life, walking with the LORD, trying hard to be who they have been called to be, walking through hard things, rejoicing in bumps and bruises, grieving difficult circumstances. I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in years while visiting a church with my neice - encouraged that she is still walking with the LORD despite the horrible trials I knew she has walked through, I got to spend a weekend with friends who know and love me and my family, I had dinner with three women who encourage my heart with their laughter and friendship, a text from a long time friend, a glimspe into a friend's heart through an email, a picture of another. Just knowing they were still walking with the LORD in their circumstances gave me HOPE and strength to continue in my life - hoping, praying, leaning on the truths that give me strength for another day.
I still want that cup of coffee, that long meandering conversation but a glimpse may be all I get at this stage...and God turns it into just what I need for the moment.
I still want that cup of coffee, that long meandering conversation but a glimpse may be all I get at this stage...and God turns it into just what I need for the moment.
