This particular group got started from a bible study we were all working through together many years ago. The study had about 8 or 9 of us from all different walks of life. Different views on parenting, (to spank or not?), different views on politics, and even different views on topics like healthy eating choices (should we eat meat?). I learned so much from this bible study - and it wasn't all from the actual study! We started calling ourselves the "ya-ya bible study" because we would/could get to talking and ya-ya-ya about anything and everything. I truly cherish the friendships I developed from that study, and am so blessed that each of the friendships continue to this day.
Back to last night. So, we have about 5 of us that have decided that we need to stay connected on a deeper level. We have tried numerous times to schedule something, but as fate (and husbands and children) would have it, not all of us can always be there. Last night there was myself, and three others together. I love it that we can do the small talk thing for a short time and then we can jump right in on the deep end of "how are you really", and "tell me how I can pray for you". The opening up of what is going on in their worlds - the joys and the troubles - is so heart-felt. From children that have moved into adult hood to children still in elementary (and even preschool!) we have a wide gamut of topics to cover. And, rest assured - children can provide LOTS of requests for prayer at any stage! By the evening's end, one of our friends had to leave early to go assist a high school student, and the three of us left prayed the evening to a close. We were only together for about a total of 3 hours, but I felt so refreshed - knowing that I had (HAVE) women friends who will stand in the gap for me when I need them.
This morning I am thinking about other groups of friends that I have. From groups of friends that have been created due to children in the same activities at school, to bible study groups, church groups, Ladies' Night Out groups, MOPS, prayer groups, book club groups, and even "online/facebook" groups - each area has a group of women that I call my friends. Each group of friends knows a part of me. Since I am a talker, sometimes they know too much about me, even. (giggle) But, how weird is it that even though I am the same person in each of the groups, the topics differ from group to group and the "take away" from each group is different as well. All of it good.
I'm sure that many have read the little email that goes around about how friends come into your life for a reason and a season - and the older I get, the more that seems to be true. A friendship can open up and blossom, and grow like crazy - then just as suddenly (a move, a job change, or even a schedule change) that same friendship is no longer the primary focus. For me, a short mourning period ensues, and then a new friendship seems to begin. The old friendship isn't over, it is just on pause, I suppose.
When my kids were still in diapers, I remember talking with moms of older children and being envious of the free time that it appeared that they had. No wiping noses and bottoms, or reading the same book over and over - those women were FREE! (How naive I was!!) But, those friendships helped me to get through the difficult times with my own children. Now I have older children and I see that the need for friendships with women who have younger children is so precious. Not only for them, but also for me! It helps me to remember how short each crisis truly is, and to cherish the time with my children.
I'm sure that I'm not alone in the fact that I have multiple "friend groups" in my life. Nor, am I alone in thinking that as much as I enjoy my friends - there are days where I simply want to be alone. Even weirder, there are times when I am together with my friends - and can still feel alone somehow. (glad that doesn't happen very often!) Each group of my friends brings so much delight into my world. They all bring different experiences and stories to share. Life is so enriched by all the variety!
This week in bible study, the topic was brought up about Abraham being God's friend. Also how Christ called his disciples his friends. Makes me ponder. What a great thing it is that God brings friends into our lives, EXACTLY when we need them.
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