Fresh Eyes

How awesome to have friends!  Even better are friendships that span decades.

That statement may be a bit problematic for millennial readers but you get the idea.  :-)

I've just returned from spending a wonderful time with friends who connected with one another during the 20's and 30's of our life journeys.  We've walked together through so many different life experiences.  Weddings.  Births.  Financial growth and downturns.  Home renovations and construction.  Moves across town, across state, across country.  Deaths of siblings, parents and even a spouse. 

Through it all, we've stayed in touch.  Even with all the changes and the hundreds of miles separating us, our faith has kept us connected.  Praying for one another and with one another was the key.  For several of us there would be no communication for months at a time.  But when the call went out for prayer, we were there.

Our few hours together provided a memory we'll all cherish for years to come.  Of course there were the hugs, laughter, conversations, meals and joy we expected.  The unexpected bonus time came when we were able to stop and pray together on the spot for whatever need was being shared.

"My child is struggling with........."  "Then let's pray over that right now."

"We need wisdom about a decision coming up."  "God is able to provide that wisdom.  Let's ask."

"We can't seem to move beyond......"   "Father, we know you see and can help in this situation."

One morning we just sat around the piano singing praise songs together.  That moved to a devotion and prayer.  We ultimately spent several hours just praying for various needs and offering thanks for all God has already done in our lives.

I've never really experienced a "Girls' Weekend" like that before.  But it was powerful!

When we first started arriving at the home of our wonderful hosts (the Biddix family) we sensed it would be a special time.  We hadn't all been together in over seven years.  Most of the group had come to FL for Meagan and Nathan's wedding in July, 2011.

I think marking my 60th birthday was just a good excuse for a reunion.  Who's complaining?  Certainly not me!

We all came away from our time so refreshed.  Blocking out the days with NO agenda meant we didn't have to rush.  There were no expectations. There was no schedule to keep.  We moved at a slow pace listening to one another and to our heavenly Father.

One of the ladies who is rather techie has set up a communication group for us.  Hopefully, we'll be able to stay connected more easily.  We also determined that we can't wait another seven years for a repeat reunion.  Time moves too quickly and friendships are too precious to squander on the altar of "we'll do that tomorrow, when it's more convenient." 

I'm so grateful for my husband who understood the importance of such an investment.

Of course, this concludes all the 60th celebrating.  I mean, my actual birthday was the end of July. I've managed to mark it with family, friends, our church family, kind acquaintances on FB, even with Barbara, our Chinese houseguest.  Eventually, everyone has to take off their party hat, right?!

Thanks to Frank and so many others, I'm entering this next season of my life with fresh eyes. 

I'm taking my cue from a favorite lady in the Bible named, Anna.  She dedicated the second half of her life to constantly watching for the promise of God.  She wasn't disappointed.  Anna was privileged to hold the infant, Christ.  I'm just simple enough to believe I will hold His promises to our family as well.

A wonderful truth is available to us in Deuteronomy 4:29, "If. . . you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him."  Let's move into this beautiful fall season with fresh eyes.  Eyes watching to see what God wants to show us.



What are you watching for in your life?  Have you enjoyed a reunion with friends recently?  We'd love to hear about it in the comment section......