God graciously blesses us with various friend groups over a lifetime. Early childhood friends often become our best high school buddies if we live in one place long enough. Later, we bond with college classmates and others with whom we share a common element, such as church, work, and ministry.
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” – Unknown.
A variety of wonderful friend groups have blessed my life. Each poured wisdom and love into my soul, giving me beautiful memories and sweet camaraderie as we experienced life together.
Reunion
Sitting at dinner last weekend, I couldn’t help but smile big. I took a deep breath, intentionally pausing my thoughts and taking in the moment’s beauty. The women surrounding me were childhood friends gathered for a girl-time beach reunion. Hundreds of miles separated us most of our adult lives, yet there we were—together. The happy chatter of familiar voices filling in the gaps of the lost years hung sweetly in the air. Our friendship survived time and distance tests, and I am so thankful.
Could it be forty-seven years since we tossed our graduation caps in the air and left our small Alabama town to conquer the world? Indeed, it had. Our group’s youngest (and sweet hostess) celebrated her 65th birthday during our stay. It’s surreal to realize we are now considered seniors in a totally different context!
Laughter filled the air as we recalled mischievous antics, awkward dates, and everything in between. The weekend would encompass sweet celebrations and heartfelt joy for the good times the years brought. Hot tears would occasionally escape our eyes and slip down our cheeks as we shared the hard times, grieved friends who had already passed to eternity, and shared the struggles inherent to life on this side of heaven. God blessed us with many life days and continues adding to our wisdom.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
Reflection
I asked my friends what struck them about getting to know one another again. One cited that no one in the group had significantly changed at the core of who we always were; our souls remain much the same. We are a group of women with a strong sense of who we are and comfortable in our skin. The paradox of how much each one remained the same – yet was different, intrigued me.
Another loved that there was a sweet spirit of acceptance among us. We love each other for who we are, for our similarities and differences. I couldn’t agree more. There is peace that comes with trusting others enough to let down all the guards and accept the unconditional love that true friends freely give.
The entire group had to laugh in agreement when one friend remarked she felt young again. She was spot on. No alarm clocks, long walks on the beach, wading deep into the warm, crystal-clear water of the gulf as the waves slapped softly against us, and a calendar free of appointments and responsibilities made us feel young and carefree.
“…For what is your life It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” -James 4:14
Ready
The beach is where I can clear my head and hear from God. The gorgeous sunsets, fabulous food, and the peaceful respite from the cares of daily life slow me down and help me set my focus on God. Beach time is so, so good! However, beach time will always have an end. Christians can happily look forward to something even better than beach time. We will experience a time with no sadness or regret and a reunion that will last forever.
Catching up with dear friends and spending time with them was a beautiful blessing. We share faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior; I am forever thankful for that. When we gather in heaven, we will not rush to say everything we want to share. There will be no watching friends wave goodbye as we pull out of the driveway. We will never need to wonder when or if we will get back together.
I look forward to that heavenly reunion.
Rapport
Many of my close friends know what I am thinking before I speak a word. I wonder, in heaven, will I sit beside Martha and tell her how much I get her? Or will we lock eyes and immediately “just know” we are kindred spirits? I don’t know the answer, but I look forward to finding out! Surely we will be fast friends.
God graciously placed many precious women from all walks of life in my greater friend circle. Some have lived life with me for fifty years. Others work beside me in ministry, join me in Bible study and worship, or simply love me despite me. I am grateful for each lovely lady God intentionally and strategically placed in my life.
I love how Michael W Smith put it in his song, FRIENDS:
“…And friends are friends forever
If the Lord’s the Lord of them…”
Much love and gratitude to all my forever friends,
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
