Jeri Lynn, Melanie, Anne, Becca, Angie, Melisa, and Carrie. Those names will forever hold sweet memories for me for a variety of reasons. From kindergarten to my junior year of high school, these friends were a part of seasons of my life that are priceless. We had sleepovers, went to church camp, cried over boys, rode in team buses, and maybe even did a few things we shouldn’t talk about in a blog. I wouldn’t trade a single memory for anything. I still consider them my friends today. But years have passed. Time changes things. We find ourselves in different stages of life. Some of us live in neighboring towns or even several states away. It just happens.
I’m also not the same person I used to be. (Thank you, Jesus!) For much of my life, I had trust issues. After I got pregnant my senior year, I didn’t have what I would consider close friends. I’ve always had lots of great ladies in my life. But someone to be vulnerable with? Who would know my deepest desires, biggest struggles, and heartbreak? Nope. I didn’t trust anyone enough for that.
Fast forward, and today I find myself swimming in the abundant provision of God. Not only do I have a band of women who know my flaws, hold me accountable, and are willing to laugh or cry with me, but I also find myself surrounded by this tribe of ladies who are running after God right along with me. Older than me, younger than me. It doesn’t matter. What we’re discovering is that life is BETTER TOGETHER. Instead of pretending we have it all figured out. Instead of saying we don’t need help. Instead of pulling ourselves up by our bra straps (I couldn’t resist). We throw on our drawstring pants and baggy sweatshirt and we just show up. It’s a beautiful thing.
Most of us have come to know each other from simply attending a Bible study less than 10 years ago. Others have been grafted in by life and the everyday experiences we face. It’s the most incredible gift.
So today, as I celebrate my 56th birthday, I find myself undone by the mercies of God in my life. He has taught me through the friendships of those early years, and He continues to mold me even today. The sweet fragrance and aroma of Jesus that fills my days is the sweetest gift. Life is definitely BETTER TOGETHER.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 ~ But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,
Amen