"Walk" Day 2 Thoughts

Perhaps I have missed the point of today's topic. (Am I Abiding in Christ?). The direction my thoughts have taken center upon friendship. In all fairness, the idea did stem from my scripture reading. (Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. -John 15:13-14)

I can vividly remember the time in which my friendship with God began. The circumstances were these: I was 18 years old. It had been six months since I graduated from high school. I had just finished my first semester at the local community college. It was nearly midnight when I hopped into my beat up '88 Nissan Sentra, affectionately known as "Tootie." The car was so completely stuffed with my belongings that I barely had room to put it into "drive." I had just worked my last shift at Bath & Body Works, having quit my other job earlier that day as well. I was about to embark on a whole new life... I was moving an hour and a half away to the Big city of Lexington, Kentucky. (Now is when you would note the sarcasm in my voice.)

I had so many thoughts running through my mind. Was I making the right decision? Could I afford all the expenses while working some lame job and going to school? Had I chosen the right group of friends? The questions seemed endless. I played the song Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks over and over while singing to the top of my lungs. I was taking a risk, making a change, and I felt so excited and nervous at the same time. One minute I would laugh to myself and the next I was crying. Think goodness it was dark outside. If someone from another car had seen me they would've thought I was crazy.

Once I had made it to the long stretch of rode that took me straight into the city, the thought occurred to me to start saying a prayer. I pictured in my mind that God was riding shotgun and I was going to pour my heart out to Him. I just spoke out loud all of the things I was feeling, thinking, hoping, and needing. I knew He was listening and really cared about me. It is kind of embarrassing to admit this, but at one point my hand even felt warm...like He was holding it to give me comfort and reassurance. Sometimes I would look over just to make sure I wasn't dreaming and about to wreck. (Sure enough, my garbage bag full of clothes was still there.) I don't remember how the prayer/conversation ended, (I had probably just ran out of things to say) but I do know that I felt on overwhelming sense of peace and happiness. (At this point I began crying again...tears of joy this time.) I knew that God loved me and He was leading me to a new life.

Those first few years in Lexington weren't exactly perfect. Along the way, one decision led to another...and then another...until one day I was presented the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ,to be baptized and to become a member of His Church. I was taught that my life had a purpose. There was a Plan of Happiness created and I am a child of God. I felt in the deepest part of my being that throughout my life, God had been watching over me, leading me along the path that would finally bring me to true happiness. (This is exactly why Proverbs 3:5-6 is my mantra!) He is my Father, Jesus is my Savior, and both are my very dearest friends.

If I were being honest with myself today, I would have to say that I could do a whole lot better with my side of the friendship. (Wait, maybe this is the point of today's topic...to evaluate what I am doing, or not doing in the relationship.) Still, I am so thankful that They are the best kind of friends...the ones that are always there for you. God never tires of hearing from me. In fact, He might even wish He heard from me more often and with more sincerity. He is always there to help. He knows precisely what I need. He forgives me over and over. He loves me perfectly.

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While I am on the subject, I find it coincidental that one of my BESTEST earthly friends made a post on her blog about me and our friendship. Charmaine, you are too kind! I love you to pieces! Thank you for being YOU...and all of the wonderfullness that encompasses!