As I try to put the jumble of words in my head onto the page, I am thinking of the joy of friendship – true friendship. That one in a million friend, the one who is more a sister than a friend, who knows your thoughts before you utter them, who loves you no matter what silly thing you say or do. That friend.
I have had many friends in my 50+ years on this planet, but until last year I had never truly opened my heart to the vulnerability of deep friendship. I can’t say why really, other than I fear being vulnerable. I fear showing weakness.
While searching to find a new church, my husband and I found true friends at the same time. A lovely couple with four beautiful daughters. Together we shared laughter, joy and Christ with them.
Separately we two wives became sister-friends, sharing not only happiness, but also sorrow. We listen and comfort one another, lovingly chastise and teach each other. And perhaps most importantly, we are vulnerable together – not fearing to share our innermost concerns or doubts. We love each other, Sister-friends.
Today I am celebrating their excitement and the calling that God has put on their hearts to move closer to their aging parents, some 1100 miles from here. What a blessing for them! They have lived this far from their families for more than 20 years – I can only imagine the joy they must feel as they embark on this new adventure.
I must admit that when she first shared the news, I was very sad … and as the day of their move got closer and closer it was so very hard to hold back the tears. But I know that distance is nothing when the friendship is a deep one, and our practice of texting nearly every morning and video-chatting several times a week is not going to end. In reality, it has been practice for the distance in miles that God had planned.
I thank God every day for bringing her into my life. I am grateful for our friendship and the love our families share.
My dear, sweet, Sister-Friend, “I thank God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
From Suffering to Praise 