This past Friday I had the rare opportunity to spend the day with 3 other pastors’/missionary wives. A few weeks ago we were all together at a board meeting dinner, and we decided we needed a day of thrift store shopping. “Let’s make this happen,” we said.
Amazingly, we found a day that worked for all of us. And so ensued a day of shopping at second hand stores- digging through bins of clothes and finding things for each others’ families. I may have even gotten stuck in a dress that I was trying on…And although I let out a cry for help, no one heard me. One pastor’s wife said “Well, I thought I heard something, but…” Needless to say, I may have ripped a few seams trying to get that dress off! And we enjoyed a good laugh. {Ahem} I know that’s never happened to you, right?
During our lunch break, we sipped on soup and munched on subs. Somehow, we managed to not talk about ministry…and just be women…friends. I was struck with the fact that in just a short time, it will not be possible for the four of us to be together in person.
One of the ladies is shortly leaving with her husband and children for their mission field in Asia. She has been a consistent, Godly friend to me since we first met in 2006. Our lives have taken us to different places in Canada since then, but we’ve always remained close. When they were called to missions and left their assistant pastor position, we stepped into their place. We have grown and changed spiritually together as God has directed our paths. We’ve enjoyed many fun times together as families. The ‘guys’ have had numerous coffee conversations. The ‘gals’ have gone to lunch together. We’ve spent hours decorating for events and dreaming about our futures.
I’m trying not to think about the fact that our lives are about to change forever.
I’m trying not to think about her being much farther than a phone call away.
I’m trying not to think about my children losing their best playmates.
I’m trying not to think about how I will find another kindred spirit like her.
I’m trying not to think about how difficult it will be to adjust to censored communication because of their location.
I don’t know much about our futures, but I know one thing about right now:
When I’m with this friend, time stands still.
We enjoy the time together, pushing away thoughts of how things are about to drastically change.
You know what I’m thankful for today? The fact that everything can change, yet God remains. Always the same.
I’m going to enjoy the laughs, the time, the fellowship, the opportunities to minister together. I’m going to watch our children play together and be thankful. I’m going to remember the years that I prayed for a good friend, and know that God answered my prayer.
I’m going to savour each moment.
Even that moment in the dressing room…
**How about you? Have you been blessed with a good friend who sharpens you spiritually? Have you ever gotten stuck while trying on a garment? Share your memories here!
My heart sympathizes completely! I remember sitting next to my best friend in our last church service together and during the congregational singing I just started bawling. Her husband was going to become a pastor in Kansas and we were being left behind to finish our last year of Bible College. They only moved 3 hours away. Then we moved to New Mexico which is a day’s journey away. I know that’s not far in comparison to a mission field but the distance still creates a barrier of Christian love and communication. Maybe that’s why Paul wrote so many letters to the churches, he missed them and wanted to guide them along the way!
My best friend is far away. My family is far away. My husband’s family far away. I miss the joy of being at Bible College and having a church full of couples our age that we could communicate with and share burdens and activities with. It just is not the same when you are in the ministry and trying to fellowship with other couples. There’s just a difference that I do not even know how to explain. We also work on staff with another young couple and it has been a struggle to try to find common ground even though we serve side by side with them. God has brought us closer lately, but it has taken 3 1/2 years to make a break-through.
To you I pray that God will comfort your hearts. I am thankful you have had such a friend and joyous memories together! And that she can read this post and know your love.
I understand completely! Our family and friends from college are thousands of miles away, too. This is definitely one of the sacrifices we make for God in ministry! I hope that God will send you a special friend to fellowship with!
I’m getting ready to say goodbye to a good friend as well. I hate it! But I know that this life is short, and that we must go where God calls us to serve him. Looking forward to spending eternity together with all those I love! In the meantime I am thankful for our modern technology which means that although we don’t get to see each other face to face we can still stay connected to one another!
Sorry you are in the same boat…it’s hard, isn’t it?! Good perspective on spending eternity together! And yes, technology is amazing. So thankful.