Friends...for all seasons!
We're a motley crew...we come from all walks of life. We work as office executives, building contractors, farmers, a geriatric aide, a government employee...and even someone who builds airplanes for the movie industry. We are all in our forties or fifties...and all have grown children (most have left home). So what brings us together a few times each month?
We are all on a journey...and it's so good to know we are not alone. The journey is called life...and we are all following the same Guide. So we come together to learn from each other, to study our road map (Bible), and to help each other along the journey.
I always thought that once the kids are gone from home, so are all the worries! Well, it's not quite like I thought. We all have grown children, and yet it seems that a lot of our discussion centers around our concerns for our families. One couple had a daughter who went to England to work in the fall of 2006, was engaged by Christmas, came home and got married last summer...and is now finally reunited with her hubby in England after months of bureaucratic red tape. We prayed with them along every step of this story...and we served the food at the wedding reception last July. We have been there for each other through weddings, (grand)babies, sickness, job situations...and decision making. We have a lot of laughs...but occasionally we shed the tears together. We are a 'care group'...we care for each other along the journey.
Last night we met at our place...thirteen of us. We talked about making major decisions in life.... and the peace we feel when we know have done the right thing. We prayed for each other...and the needs in our families. And it seems the evening ended up in the kitchen...it's so easy to visit around the table! Friends have a way of brightening up the day...friends are the flowers in the garden of life!
And (speaking of flowers), we had snow overnight, but I have flowers out there to brighten my day.
The pansies are blooming in the window boxes...I guess there is a reason they are called winter pansies. And next to our front door....they are peeking out from beneath the snow.
Friends and flowers...let them brighten your day!
You just made my day...there is a promise of new growth...flowers and in our walk through life.
ReplyDeleteCare groups are so important to be able to share our concerns and prayers with.
You added some beautiful flowers reminding us about how some friendships bloom for ever and some poke their heads in here and there and yet they are all so special.
ReplyDeleteYour growth group sounds like the one I'd like to be in. You have given so sacrificially to God's leading in your lives.
Judy, thank you for your recent comments on my blog. I have enjoyed stopping by to visit yours now and then too. I love this post - such friends together on life's journey and what better "road map" could there be - none!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to add your blog to my sidebar - ok with you?
What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing these particular thoughts today!
ReplyDeleteJan
What a beautiful post, Judy. Thank you
ReplyDeleteSandi
Judy, it is amazing how much God loves us. He knew we wouldn need each other and to perserve to find a group that we can share our deepest concerns and our happiest joys with is truly priceless.
ReplyDeleteYour winter pansies are a delight. They are so faithful too.