Unexpected Friends

Last week, our friends in a group we belonged to explained what the group means to them. We all had different things to say…but one of the most common things that was said was how quickly and how much the group meant to each of us.

I am not sure if you are in the phase of life where you have written off people or not? I know that that is exactly where I was. I could NOT try one more time. I didn’t want to share…and I didn’t want to feel.

I didn’t want to feel pain, or happiness. I didn’t want to feel anything. When you have been let down again and again…you just eventually quit trying.

2019 was weird…not our best year. We had no one to really turn to. So we did what we do best…we threw ourselves into work. I threw myself into clowning and doing things for our community. I did more with hobbies and home decorating. We started on a new adventure with camping…and really…we were content. I wasn’t looking for this group of people.

My husband told me that some long-time church people and customers approached us that we knew about joining their group at church…and I immediately wanted to say no. However, due to who asked us I knew I had to at least go….because they are the nicest people on the planet.

We went….I braced myself for a horrible time. I put on my fake smile and away we went. We even walked to the house it was that close to our house.

That night I tried to pick it apart…but I really couldn’t. Every single person we met was genuinely kind. Still, I had my guard up…but then…the owner of the house we were visiting dog….decided to drink my husbands drink out of my husbands cup…and I lost it. It was hilarious. It was real..::and it’s my favorite story ever.

Since that time we have become closer with this group. We have been brave enough to continue friendships with others that have led to a full circle.

It has been amazing to see how God has changed and softened my heart for His people. I was so tired of meeting the people that claimed to know Him, but insisted on walking in a way that Jesus never would.

We were made to have friends….we were made to be better people by being encouraged and strengthened by good friends.

I now feel that I have people to share my burdens with. I have people to share joys with and personal struggles. Trials with my children and my parents as they go through difficult times.

Having friends has led to me getting more involved in church…I now have taken over a position that I never would have done in a million years…but I felt courageous enough to try.

I keep meeting new people that enjoy my clown ministry…and instead of giving up and putting my red nose away out of frustration it has encouraged me to keep going.

I have been around tons of people who lied to my face. Talked bad about me behind my back. Spread stories that were untrue. Took advantage of my giving spirit. Stole from me in the name of having a circumstance lower than mine. Gossiped about me and laughed and giggled…all while pretending to be godly and holy people. I have had them gossip about my children. Tell my children they aren’t good enough and cause damage that will take years to fix….

I have a Heavenly Father who understands this…who is perfect and blameless and still went through these trials.

I so quickly can become discouraged and get down on myself because of the past. It does not take me long to feel inadequate in all the things I do…keyboard or clowning…and especially my job.

There is nothing more important than friends…friends that teach you, encourage you, pray with you…cry with you and Check on you and love on your kids….

It has felt like eternity…and feels like it came out of nowhere…but I’m grateful for the unexpected friends…to help me through this life that can be so very difficult.

I pray your heart is full…and your friend list is long. 😘 try and find someone that is crazy about plants like you….ia step number one!!!

Pa