Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your list of friends on facebook being drenched in the flood of memories pouring out of those names? This is how I found myself this afternoon. Such an eclectic blend of characters that make up my friends list and countless unique experiences these people represent. Wow, my list is made up of
-my family -old family friends - friends that are like family -friends of my family members -Aunts, Uncles, cousins -those who became family when I got married who have grown into friends -my husbands friends
-there are classmates from elementary school, Jr. High, High School, and so so many from college
-girls I slumber partied with, wrote notes to, talked on the phone with, giggled with, fought with, and made plans with
-boys I crushed on, guys I dated, men, women and couples I've admired
-those from my youth group, friends I made at State youth convention, church camp and on missions trips
(To these friends I am eternally grateful there have been limited awkward photos shared and embarrassing stories told from those priceless moments in time)
-teachers, professors, pastors, bosses and those who have mentored me
-Kids I've babysat for who are grown now and make me feel old having kids the same age as my own
-People who make me laugh, those who make me think and many that encourage and inspire me
-Those I have worshipped with, prayed with and grown up in faith with
-My roommates from college who were like sisters and the many special friends I made while at MBC (MACU)
-Those I worked with and those I've worked for
-girlfriends I have bonded with over the trials and joys of motherhood and learning from one another's domestic adventures
-those who have helped care for and love my children
-There are some I do business with and even some I have never met but have grown a friendship with over mutual friends and interests, and others still
Today, I am appreciating how important each of these relationships are and how valuable these experiences have been to me. They helped shape me and grow me into the person I am today. I feel blessed and grateful for each of these friends. Does this mean I have had only happy memories or experienced only easy relationships void of any disappointments or heartbreak? No, not at all, but for even those difficult lessons I've learned along the way and with many of these people, I am so thankful. I am reminded of something Corrie ten Boom said, "Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see." What a divine and beautiful arrangement!
