Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Imprints from the heart.....

Tonight I said "good-bye" to someone who means more to me than most people, all for the sake of following the Lord's leading to our new life and calling in CO. I have been putting off the inevitable for quite some time now, telling myself that If I was strong and tried to disconnect myself somehow, leaving wouldn't be that hard....and guess what? I'm not as strong as I appear to be. Change is never easy for anyone. If it was, then everyone would do it. But I know this is our time to spread our wings and fly. I finally understand and have received the "peace which surpasses all understanding" (Phil. 4:7)....however It still doesn't make the leaving part any easier.

This friend has been my "bff"  since the second grade where we met in Sunday school class. She has been more of a sister really. She has been brutally honest with me at times, put up with my bad attitudes, forgiven me when I've hurt her more than anyone, and has been a picture of Gods grace to me without even realizing it.

I will never forget the late nights we've had sharing inside jokes, taking naps after church on Sundays, you being my biggest cheerleader while I was in labor while eating Popsicle's together as I was shaking uncontrollably, holding each other until we both burst into tears, our times at kids camp together where we experienced God in a new way, walking across the street every Wednesday to the Farmers Market so you could get your sugar daddy before every service, me coming over to rummage through your closet and paint our nails together, going thrifting and finding great steals, making brownies/ice cream and watching chick flicks, you taking our family photos and me having to walk in the woods in heels and almost falling, and everything from our road trips together to me calling you and freaking out because I was pregnant and didn't know the first thing about having a baby.

           -"He who finds a friend finds a treasure."

You have always been a constant person in my life. The first one I've run to because I was scared to death or just ridiculously happy. You have seen me at my worst, through thick and thin (both literally and figuratively), the one who's told me I'm being a complete idiot and have loved me no matter what! You have left an imprint in my heart and on my life that will never be erased. I wouldn't trade any of the moments I've had with you, any of the petty arguments we've had and all the dumb things we've said to each other. You have helped me along the journey to be who I am today, a better and more rounded person. You have pushed me out of my comfort zone more than once, and have been a vital part in pushing me to grow, change, surrender, forgive and most important love. I have loved every moment and every memory we've made together.

Thank you God for my dear friend. Thank you that she has been exactly what I needed the last 21 years whether I knew it at the time or not. Thank you for her amazing voice and talent that has forever been etched in my mind, for her honesty to tell it to me like it is at times, her loving, generous and forgiving spirit, her God given ability to speak and write in a way that takes my breath away, for the way she continually lays herself down so that others can be lifted up, the way she supports people, and for showing me what a real friend is. I love you MareBear :)

"In my life, I've loved them all"-The Beatles