As of late, I have been pondering my friends.

It seems to me that words so often fail me and I would like to be more extravagant in my praise of them.

But that is really hard to do without sounding like a total gush pot or a Hallmark card.

I have friends that I see every week.

Friends that I see once a month.

Friends that I see every few months.

And other's that I may not see for years and years and years at a time.

But the amount of time I spend with each person does not really matter to me.

What matters is that when I do see them, they instantly have my heart.

They know me and I know them.  Conversation is easy and enlightening.

Laughter or tears, stupid thoughts or interesting ones.  Matters of the heart or matters of the mind. 

Thoughts on God and books read.   Movies, music, motherhood, munching or moving. 

Together with them is the best.

We have journeyed through this life and we each have had to carry our own heavy burdens.

But when we come together, loads are lightened.

Conversely,  I have been apart from those that I love the most and storms have been weathered

without each other.  Not for any other reason than distance.  But that is ok.  Our friendship is based on deep love and respect and a hope that one day, we will be together again.

And, also, I really suck at long distance communications.  I am sporadic at best.  Sorry girls.

Rabbit trail.

Anyway.

Once upon a time, my dad and me used to pray, every night, that God would give me 

a good friend that loved Him.  

And in the Lord's great mercy and generosity, ever since, He has been faithful to give me 

many friends 

that are like iron sharpening iron,  pushing me to a greater love of God 

and making fun of  me so I don't get to uptight.

My dearest friends tease me. 

That's how I know they know me. 

I love it.

I love you  dear women.

May the Lord bless you and keep you

May  His face shine upon you

And be gracious to you

Amen