I met Sarah and Lisa in October of 2010, but it seems like I've known them for many years. I've spent only two days with them in person. Let me tell you the story. . .
I love the book Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. It truly changed my life when I first read it over seven years ago. I've read it at least six times since then and each time it refreshes my belief that life is wonderful and that I am very special and important in this world. A few years after first reading the book, I became aware of a Captivating Retreat that is held each year in Colorado. I, of course, immediately wanted to go on one of these retreats. I finally had the opportunity to attend this retreat in October, 2010. I was so excited to be able to go. I was going on my own - not knowing anyone else who would be attending. I communicated with a few of the ladies over the internet in order to prepare for the retreat and find trasportation to and from the airport. I honestly had no idea what to expect and so I left my heart wide open for whatever the Lord had planned for me during that weekend. I thought that I would be on my own for the whole weekend - just experiencing the beauty of my surroundings and the teaching sessions that were planned for us. However, God had a beautiful surprise planned for me - the surprise of two wonderful ladies that he wanted me to meet.
I got into the retreat on Friday afternoon. I settled into my room and met my roommates, all very nice ladies. We had our first meal, which was exceptionally delicious, and our first meeting that night. After the meeting I went out to the darkest spot that I could find and just stood and looked up at all the stars twinkling in the cool, crisp Colorado sky. It was breathtaking! Then I went and sat in the worship room just trying to take in the awesome opportunity that this retreat was to me and talked with God for awhile. I went back to the cabin alone and got dressed for bed. When I went into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, I saw a pretty young woman with blonde hair who was also brushing her teeth. We began talking and soon we were sharing our hearts with each other. After we had been talking quite awhile there were some knocks on the wall from our other cabin mates indicating that we were keeping them awake. We reluctantly finished our conversation and went to bed. My new friend, Sarah, made sure that we would meet up for breakfast in the morning and then we both went off to bed.
The next morning Sarah and I met and walked to breakfast together. Sarah saw another new friend of hers, Lisa, and so we all sat together. I honestly don't remember all of the little details surrounding our friendship - I just know that without really planning or worrying about it, the three of us just always sat together for the rest of the weekend at meals and for the meetings. It was such a wonderful blessing to me. We shared things with each other that weekend that some lifelong friends hesitate to share with each other. We were all open to sharing our hearts with each other. So in two days I became close friends with two very special women.
In the year and several months since meeting and connecting deeply with these women, I have never ceased to thank God for their friendship and support in my life. We have supported each other through many struggles - through the internet and over the phone. During a recent several months of a tough struggle in my life, Lisa, has been a constant encouragement to me. She is the friend who sent the Box of Joy that I wrote about in a previous blog. Sarah was just married a few days ago to a wonderful man - whom she is completely and utterly in love with. It has been such a blessing to me to see her wedding pictures posted by friends on Facebook and celebrate her joy across the many miles that separate us.
As I reflect over how God brought these two women into my life in such an unexpected and special way, I am so very grateful for the friendship and love we have for each other. Even though we all live many miles apart, in different states, the bond we share keeps them very close to my heart.
Lisa & Sarah - as you read this I pray that you feel the love I have in my heart for each one of you! You are each such a huge gift from the Father to me and I am so thankful for you and I miss you so much!
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