I haven’t had a lot of time for writing this week because I’ve been too busy talking. My best friend Jen is visiting us from Colorado! And we’ve had a lot of catching up to do. Of course, most of our conversations are interrupted by three little darlings named Skylar, Micah, and Autumn, but Jen and I are doing well, chatting on two levels at once. Conversations about work and family and church and friends are full of side-notes: “Micah! No flipping off the couch! At least not without a pillow.” And, “Whoa, Autumn just escaped her Bumbo!”
Jen’s put up with a lot more than a typical house guest. But isn’t that how it is with best friends? When you have a history with someone, your relationship can handle interruptions and chaos. It expands when you live across the country from each other and picks up as usual when you’re in the same house again. It holds firm when you make stupid choices (AKA: half of my college career at least) and it doesn’t fade away when life takes you in opposite directions (Jen’s a career nurse and I’m a stay-at-home mom). She’s that friend to me—my no-brainer choice for maid-of-honor at my wedding, the one my kids call “Auntie”—and she is such a blessing in my life.
All week I’ve been thinking about friendship and what Jesus said about it: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Jesus was talking about dying for a friend, which He did for each of us. It makes me wonder, how often do I make even a small sacrifice for a friend?
It’s easy when you have little kids and life feels overly full and crazy to push friendships into the background. But having Jen here has reminded me of all I’m missing when I don’t make time for my friends. Deep stuff like the encouragement to do good things and the chance to be a blessing to someone outside the four walls of my own house. And then there’s the fun stuff. Like ridiculous laughter. And oh my goodness, do I ever need laughter in my life right now!
Today was the first day of MOPS. I’m part of a wonderful Bible Study at CenterPoint Church. And God has given me amazing friends from college and YWAM that I still connect with on a regular basis. I can go through the motions in my relationships or I can be open to the deep, sacrificial type of friendship that Jesus modeled for us. I want to choose the deeper level this year.
Both of you look adorable, exactly like you did as teens and college co-eds. Your friendship makes you glow! I send my love to you two.
Congratulations to you two…..you look ‘refreshing’ to each other…..that’s a genuine compliment! there is nothing like a ‘true friend’….to put a smile on your face and a ‘jump-start’ to your life…..even as busy as each of your are….and dedicated to your respective lives. As always, I encourage you to ‘enjoy the moment’ cherish the memories you make, and tomorrow will take care of it’s self.
So delighted for you, Linni, that Jen was able to spend this time with you……and especially since Adam had the road-trip…..with his friend….God’s plans are perfect!
God bless your time together.
You are a blessing! I’m so happy to be getting to know you as a friend!!! It’s awesome you have had a great visit with your best pal.