Good Friends

I have felt richly blessed this past week by great friends and lots of opportunities to ponder the things of God. Jim and I have recently reconnected with some old friends from Dallas, thanks to good ol' Facebook. Laura and Ryan have shared deeply of themselves through their personal blogs, and reading their stories and struggles has really blessed me. I have cried for them, prayed for them, and wondered what exactly the Lord has in store for their lives. Their transparency has challenged me to live better and look to God more.

Similarly, my good friend Mandy came to visit this past weekend, and our conversations were such a huge encouragement to me. Having only been in Nashville for six months, I haven't had a deep, intimate conversation in a long time. My soul has really yearned for that kind of communication. It is so huge to find a friend who knows you on a completely different level and can challenge you to be a better woman of God. Mandy is just that kind of friend.

Sometimes I think about the things I spend my time on (making crafts, running errands, cooking, cleaning, writing web copy, and chasing a two-year-old), and I realize how easy it is to become complacent and shallow. I am naturally a deep person, but when I don't have an intentional outlet for that side of me, it's easy to get caught up in the little day-to-day things and lose touch with what really matters. It's just another small way that the enemy lures me: he keeps me busy. There is nothing wrong with the things I am doing, but they take my time and attention away from God, my prayer life, and a reflective attitude when I am not careful.

I am so grateful for other Christians who seek the Lord and share their struggles. Wrestling with issues alongside other believers refocuses me and rejuvinates my spirit.  Although it hurts to be so far away from my closest friends, I am so, so grateful to have people in my life like Laura, Ryan, and Mandy.  God is good.