I have often heard it said that there are friends that are in your life for a reason, for a season, or for a lifetime. And I have become friends with enough people to know that that is true.
I am grateful for the people who come into my life right when I need them, and hope that I can be that type of friend to others as they need me. And sometimes you're friends with people because you're sharing an experience or life event. Those friendship bonds are usually more intense. And even after those people are out of your life, if either of you ever needed anything,you'd be there for each other. The last category is the best one. The people you meet and know you'll be friends with forever, no matter what. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, they are there for a lifetime.
However, I am sometimes surprised when a friendship ends. It's difficult when friends can't understand if you have had a different experience than them, or if you hold different views than they have. I don't mean agreeing, because you'll never agree with everyone. I'm talking about a friend hearing you, acknowledging you, validating you. If they can't do that, I guess that means they were not true friends to begin with. So today, I am thinking about a specific set of friends that I'm no longer friends with, and with the realization that I had them in one category (friend for life) when they really belonged in another (friend for a season.)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Paper Butterfly
I was struck by this thought today about something I received about 4 months ago from the daughter of a couple in one of my Bible study groups. Out of the blue she gave me a cut out butterfly and wrote the following: "To Kate, from Heather. I am so glad you are in my Bible study." And on the back: "Jesus loves Kate."
It was such a sweet gesture, and it came at the exact time I could use a sweet gesture. That little girl has a gift and I can't wait to see what kind of woman she will grow up to be. The woman next to me looked to see what I had, and I showed it off proudly. Well, Heather's grandmother saw this and soon slipped away into a room with Heather. And when they emerged, there was a paper butterfly for everyone.
I know her grandmother only wanted everyone to feel special. To teach her granddaughter to be fair. And her grandmother is one of the most loving and caring women I know. I'm not sure if it made everyone feel special, but for whatever reason, it made that special gift to me seem a little less special. And I got to thinking how many times I'm more interested in doing what's fair instead of just doing what I feel the Holy Spirit wants me to do.
It was such a sweet gesture, and it came at the exact time I could use a sweet gesture. That little girl has a gift and I can't wait to see what kind of woman she will grow up to be. The woman next to me looked to see what I had, and I showed it off proudly. Well, Heather's grandmother saw this and soon slipped away into a room with Heather. And when they emerged, there was a paper butterfly for everyone.
I know her grandmother only wanted everyone to feel special. To teach her granddaughter to be fair. And her grandmother is one of the most loving and caring women I know. I'm not sure if it made everyone feel special, but for whatever reason, it made that special gift to me seem a little less special. And I got to thinking how many times I'm more interested in doing what's fair instead of just doing what I feel the Holy Spirit wants me to do.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Prestigious U.
A year and a half ago while I was living in New York City, I applied to Prestigious University so that I could complete my Bachelor Degree. I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life, or at least several more years, in NY. But God had different plans.
Well, I was accepted to Prestigious U. Unbelievable. And thus began my journey of believing I may actually be smarter than I gave myself credit for. And that in itself is quite a journey.
When I moved back to MI, I informed Prestigious U. that I would be deferring my education for a year. And this past year I have thought about attending often. However, I also was able to live back in the state where my friends and family live. Where I am near my son, my daughter-in-law, and my precious granddaughter. The state where I will be having another grandchild in January. It got harder and harder to imagine leaving. And if I planned to live in Detroit the rest of my life, do I really need a degree from such a costly and prestigious university?
Today I received an email from Prestigious U. asking me about my intentions for this year. I wrote back declining their invitation. Such a hard thing to do. I admit, I am feeling a bit sad right now. And determined to encourage my grandchildren to go to whatever university they dream of.
Well, I was accepted to Prestigious U. Unbelievable. And thus began my journey of believing I may actually be smarter than I gave myself credit for. And that in itself is quite a journey.
When I moved back to MI, I informed Prestigious U. that I would be deferring my education for a year. And this past year I have thought about attending often. However, I also was able to live back in the state where my friends and family live. Where I am near my son, my daughter-in-law, and my precious granddaughter. The state where I will be having another grandchild in January. It got harder and harder to imagine leaving. And if I planned to live in Detroit the rest of my life, do I really need a degree from such a costly and prestigious university?
Today I received an email from Prestigious U. asking me about my intentions for this year. I wrote back declining their invitation. Such a hard thing to do. I admit, I am feeling a bit sad right now. And determined to encourage my grandchildren to go to whatever university they dream of.
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