This week has seemed to be about friends.
On Saturday, I had the privilege of getting together with the ladies from my Bible study group last spring. We met over brunch at Panera Bread Company and the company was more delicious than the food. I’m so grateful for the friendship we share, for the way God brought us together for those few months, and the way He is continuing to work in each of our lives. I’m grateful for a few minutes to share wonderful food, good laughter, and a sweet time of fellowship.
On Sunday, we celebrated Trey’s birthday with an amazing party at ASI Gymnastics in Allen (shout-out to Aaron and his “gymmies!”). We had invited 25 boys, knowing that not everyone could make it, and thinking we’d have about 10-15 actually show up. EIGHTEEN boys came. And as we watched them play and laugh and celebrate together, we witnessed the true beauty and innocence of childhood friendships. I am grateful that our family is so rich with friends.
On Monday, I met with “my boys” for our weekly den meeting. Although it’s a regular event, this month our theme is games, and it just seems so appropriate for our guys who love being together. It’s a special group when you can have 12 boys in one den and all of them get along. I’m grateful for the friendship these boys share, as well as the friendship I can have with their parents.
On Tuesday, I was able to meet up with a good friend for a girl’s day out in downtown McKinney. We hadn’t seen each other in a couple of months but that never matters to us. We just pick up right where we left off. We found great bargains, enjoyed time laughing together, and shared a great meal at The Pantry Restaurant (and yes, we had pie for dessert). I am so grateful for the special friendship we share, and for the way her heart connects with mine.
On Wednesday, I had a meeting with the leader of Studio 153 and her intern to discuss an upcoming workshop on children’s worship. Though I’m not leading it, I was invited to provide feedback and some guidance on the content and structure of the workshop. It ended up being an invigorating, exciting time of listening, brainstorming, and planning. I am grateful for the friendship I share with these two women and the way they encourage me both personally and spiritually.
Which brings us to Thursday, the day I began this post. Though I don’t have any plans for the day (other than to catch up on all the things that didn’t get done the other days), Matt will be attending tech rehearsal for the first time as computer apprentice. The tech team is a great group and has been a wonderful ministry outlet for Matt – a place where he is truly accepted and appreciated. I am grateful for the friends he has made on the tech team, and how they have rallied around him and surrounded him with support and love over these past few months.
It’s definitely been a week where my patchwork of friends has sewn together to create a beautiful quilt. And there are so many more I could have mentioned…I know this quilt will only continue to grow as the fabric of friendship expands. Thank You, Lord, for the warmth of friendship, for the blessing of being surrounded by so many we are privileged to call friends.