The ancient, sprawling pecan tree just beckoned us to continue our conversation beneath it's branches. This tree has stood on the courthouse lawn for centuries watching history be made and today it would cover two women, sharing life's stories.
Our combined story started 28 years ago as a job position brought one from Missouri back to Texas. Both met with our firstborn on our hips...both sons, only one month apart, each less than a year old. So began our friendship and journey together.
Through the 28 years we have now lived in multiple cities, shared pregnancies in three out of four pregnancies and said goodbye and hello through life's multiple changes. Today, the old pecan tree welcomed us... to meet in this small city, to catch up on life. The last time we had this kind of time together, our children were small...now they are adults.
We celebrated victories, encouraged each other in our struggles as tears fell over past failures and hurts and tears of compassion for others who had fallen. Our grace is greater than in decades past as we shared our lives. No judgement at this season of life, no finger pointing, but grace... beautiful grace.
We were real...laughing, crying, and praying...REAL. These two old friends, these two moms, two wives shared our hearts and supported each other. All the masks were gone. We could even say, "I don't like this...............", without feeling the other was going to judge through their religious magnifying glasses. Life has a way of bringing us here if we will allow it....to the place of being REAL.
Why through all these years haven't we totally separated our journeys?...the truth is that it is God, not our flesh. Our flesh would have ended our friendship years ago. This friendship wasn't created by the flesh, it was created for His purpose. Our children have served together in ministry as adults, and therefore, it continues to the next generation. We left knowing the miles of distance between us will hinder us from seeing each other face to face, but we promised we would do it again. The next visit, we laughed, would probably be centered around our adult children's spouses and possibly grandchildren.
This summer, God has allowed me to pick up and shovel and dig into His seashore of sand. So far, my sand pail of inspiration is more than I expected. This meeting was one of the shining glistening pieces of sand that I shoveled into my pail....it now holds a very special place in my heart. Thank you Lord, for those friendships you create! May I continue to enjoy my girlfriends this summer and take out time to cherish each of them. This weekend I am heading out for a weekend with my Ethel...this will fulfill my list made in January for a girlfriend weekend. For now, I am rejoicing over the unexpected time I was given with a special friend, who doesn't look a day older than when I first met her 28 years ago.
26 Joining in with more words:
Oh Janette this is wonderful! I hope you and your Ethel have a marvelous time.
You aren't planning any grape stomping are you? And don't forget to take your passa porta if you cross the border.
Sorry, I'm now on a Lucy kick.
A REAL friend like that is a true treasure.
I so relate to the fun and joy of this post and the REAL part too. Smiling as I can imagine the special moments you shared in the shade of the sheltering tree.
Only God can knit hearts like that. Didn't you just feel filled to the brim...
May your next adventure hold magical times as well!
xxoo
Friendship like this is rare and you are wise to cherish it. It is truly a gift from God. Your post reminds me I need to reconnect with some of my dear friends far away. Blessings!
Wonderful time spent with a special girlfriend, Janette. I have a couple of those myself - one that, ashamedly, I haven't seen in years due to distance, but we keep up with each other. You've spurred me into making up for some lost time!
Not a day older? Now I don't like that. ☺
You describe a wonderful time. Hope that you gals will continue to spend time together eking out a moment here and there. It sounds as if God tied two wonderful hearts together.
Have fun with Ethel! You're not going to stomp on grapes or eat chocolates, are you?
Hi, Janette! I also have a true friend that, with all of life's changes and struggles(Distance, divorce, jobs, etc.), we would have surely not kept in touch and stayed friends. It is the common chord of our faith in God that has kept us so close. We have also been friends for nearly 30 years! We don't get to see each other nearly as much as we would like to, but when we do, it's ALWAYS so refreshing!! God bless you in your summer plans!!
In His Lo♥e, Ann @ http://christintheclouds.blogspot.com/
I'm so happy for you being able to share such a wonderful time with your forever friend. I am looking forward to my friend of 30 years coming to visit me in a couple of weeks. We always pick up right where we left off from our last visit as though no time had lapsed.
Love,
Sandy
What a sweet tribute to friendship and its longevity, Janette!
I bet she DOES look older and BETTER!
love. love. love how God works in and through the lives of His children... sisters... REAL is the best. Reminds me of the story of the Velveteen Rabbit (one of my favorites)... you become real when you learn how to love. Christ's love. blessings and wishes for a joyful time with Ethel!!
Fabulous! I'm totally into cherishing that which God has wrought. Sometimes old friendships harbor a history we'd forget if God didn't cement it between us.
what a sweet girlfriend 'post'... isn't it wonderful to have good friends who have been with you a LONG TIME?
It is a blessing and a gift.
To have a friend who knows you is very special indeed.
Bring back some stories of the weekend!
You have written so beautifully. I love the quote, "Our grace is greater than in decades past." Friends for life are such a gift, adding richness to our lives. The past few months I also have had similar experiences with friends, where we take up where we left off...one it was 40'years since we had seen each other. (though we have corresponded.)
What a treasure of a friendship! I love catching up with friends and am looking forward to getting together with one of those special ones next week :)
Janette, my dh has always said that if you go through this life with one true friend then you are most blessed. I always measure a true friendship this way... That no matter how many years have passed since we last met, we always pick up right where we left off! Your friendship with Ethel is indeed blessed by God, enjoy this special time with her.
Hugs,
ue
I'm not surprised you have life long friendships. You are that kind of person I know. Enjoy your time with your friend.
Love you,
Debbie
Sweet words - I love it when I read about friendship it touches my heart because I know it take work to keep friendships a live..
But where is a photo od both of you - thought would have been cool to see you both under that huge pecan tree..
Hugs.. for leasting friendships..
Oh, such a sweet, sweet post. I, too, have a friend that has been there for over two decades. Moves, life changes, nothing changed our friendship. It's grown even deeper and yes, she is still as beautiful as she was at 30.
D'ya remember the song, A Friend Like You?
Lone ranger and tonto
laurel and hardy
batman and robin
there was snoopy and charlie
friends through thick n' thin
friends to the very end
i think you would agree
that's how it is for you and me
I-I-I want you to know
i need you
I-I-I want you to know, it's true
there's no-no-no way i'd make it without you
it's so good to know, i've got a friend like you
Long time friendships are so amazing. Having recently moved ... it is so strange to not have people know "your story."
Janette,
What a wonderful and beautifully told story. Love this.
HI Janette....reading this made me breathe deep. True long lasting friendships....I have a bud like the one you described and sometimes it amazes me her and I haven't lost touch. Loved reading this. I can sense even through cyberspace your gratitude and connection to this woman. And that tree....I love it!!!!
Old friends are the best friends! Glad you got some time to spend with yours.:)
I love these kind of friendships, the kind that distance and time doesn't change. I met with a friend recently I had not seen in thirty years, we seemed to pick up where we let off thirty years ago, never missed a beat...of course we are family as well sharing the same love for our Father in heaven
Delighted that you are getting to spend some "girl' time with yours
Janette, I loved this post. How blessed to have the chance to see each other and actually get to spend some time, and it such a beautiful setting.
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