Saturday, June 5, 2010

Faith's Journey to Hope, Part 7: The Best Friend Club

"We all let people into our lives, but you will find that really good friends let you into your own."

All my life I've wanted a "best friend". I don't know why I've never had one. Not for lack of desire. It just hasn't been. Seemed like everyone else always had one. Envious of others who wrote of such a precious relationship, an emptiness remained. Throughout the years I would watch from the sidelines as best friends did best friend things. Sleepovers. Swapping clothes. Chick flicks. Late nights. Secrets shared. Giggles. Laughter. Hugs. Boyfriend talks...OK..so I'm many years too late for that one!...but we can still share dating stories! :) I would longingly watch best friends as an observer, not a participant. I didn't belong to that club. At least, not yet.

Over the course of the next nine days God knit two hearts together. The stitching was elaborate. The thread, His Spirit. The design, a breathtaking original. One-of-a-kind. Diane had an uncanny sixth sense, instinctively knowing my little girl dreams and as if on a mission, she set out to reclaim childhood lost.

A drive to "The Love of Chocolate" for "Girlfriend candy".
"Fried Green Tomatoes" and Kleenex.
Shared Napoleon dessert at the bakery.
A road trip to North Carolina.
Late nights. Later mornings.
Hands held. Prayers spoken.
Shared clothes. Shared secrets.
Giggles. Laughter. Tears. Hugs.
Comfortable silences that speak beyond the power of words.

"The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had."

We enjoyed the refreshing of those wordless retreats. An understanding that flows beyond audible communication. Time on the "porch swing" to just enjoy the treasure of being in the company of one another. Kindred spirits surpass the need for words.

Every day, along with the tangible gifts I received, I unwrapped another of much greater value. Acceptance. Love. Trust. Loyalty. Faith. Hope. Diane gave me the key of friendship and extended a welcome with a lifetime guarantee.

Today I continue to thank the Lord for the cup of blessing she has poured into my life. I thank Him for the good times warmed by her lighthearted laughter. I thank Him for difficult times made less challenging by her support and prayers. I thank Him for sharing times that wouldn't be the same with anyone else. God has been so gracious to allow me to join the "Best Friend Club". Nothing will ever compare to the precious memories I hold so dear to my heart.

What continues to make our friendship so special, is that we share the same Father. Together we crawl up on His lap for one another. We rejoice in His presence. Weep at His feet. Kneel in prayer. Worship the One who continues to weave His Presence through our lives. "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." (Ecc.4:12) Lord, thank You for being the One who knits our hearts as one.

"How lucky I am to have known someone who was so hard to say goodbye to." Unknown



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15 comments:

Lori said...

The Lord sure does know how to bless, doesn’t He? This best friend, planned by God, was worth the wait! Smile! What a beautiful post, sweet Joy! Thank you for sharing your feelings straight from your heart! Hugs, Lori

Leah Adams said...

How blessed you are!! What a blessing I'm sure you are to Diane. Thanks for sharing your BFF journey with us.

Leah

Sharon Sloan said...

A BFF! Hearts knit together in His love and fellowship. How beautiful! Rejoicing with you!

Lutiemom said...

Somehow, you have penned what having a real friend is...it's like finding a very rare gem.

I am excited for you!

Love,
Nancy

Renee said...

I have been enjoying your journey with your friend...what joy, what a blessing...what a precious gift from a loving heavenly Father....so happy for you.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I've been privileged to have a few of these friendships over the course of a lifetime...

As I prepare to leave this home I've known over the past 6 years, my heart will hurt with some of the "good-byes", but I am ever thankful for the tie that binds, Jesus Christ, who promises us all a grand reunion one day at his feet where the good-byes will be no more.

It's good to treasure kindred hearts when we find them. They are a gift from God.

peace~elaine

Joy Junktion said...

Tonight Joy, I have sat and read each of your 7 parts of 'Faith's Journey to Hope'. If I were a person who allowed myself to cry, I would be drenched in tears at the miraculous that God has done for you. What a treasured blessing in your life.
I could only hope to have a friend so dear!
You are a blessed woman and I thank you for giving me a glimpse of Hope!!

On Purpose said...

Thank You Jesus for truly building a sweet and precious friendship on purpose. You are such an amazing God. You do orchestrate all the details...and they truly look beautiful...created with Your most amazing grace and love filled hands. Amen

Melanie said...

What a great read!

~Grace and Peace said...

What a blessing, Joy! God has given you a treasure and in His timing too. He spared you the not so pretty side of high school bff scene. This one He just mixed in all the good ingredients.

Thank you for sharing your journey. (I still miss you at Wendy's blog but God has been good to provide friends over there, too.)

Rachel said...

What a blessing a true and honest friend is. I am so happy you have a bestie. God is amazing at how He pairs us up with people. God bless!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Interesting how we do not go out and build the relationships but the relationships come to us through the grace of God!

Zoe said...

Hey sweetest friend, You've been on my heart all day today. Thank for your very encouraging words. I wasn't able to open the post you mentioned, but will keep trying. I'm more than grateful for your friendship.

Lisa Smith said...

This journey is beautiful, Joy! Thank you for sharing it with us. love you, girlfriend!!

Karen said...

Joy and Diane,

I am so glad you found each other! Your story is beautiful and I too shed some tears of joy as I read it. Your two hearts are so precious! I miss you both, but I am thankful that God's will was fulfilled in you. The story of friends; 1 Sam. 20 particularly vs. 42 -
42 Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'

And John 15:1-17

I claim these stories for you two. Love each other as I know you do; laugh, cry, hug, support, defend, you bless us all immeasurably!

Love,

Karen, Basel [no longer CA;)]