On Friday, a dear, old, wonderful friend came to visit. Sarah Helton. We met at church camp when I was like 13 or 14–probably 14; I’d have to go back and look. We were close friends for about three years before we had drifted apart; neither of us drove because we were too young and we went to different churches. We didn’t part painfully; it just sort of happened, ya’ know. Now, however, we’re twentysomethings who can see one another whenever our schedule allows and have recently reconnected. This brings my heart great joy, especially because she expresses a sincere interest to actually see me on some sort of regular basis. Yay!
We talked about old times a little but, mostly, we talked about the things we’d missed in one another’s lives. She’s getting married this summer and moving to Kentucky (Buckeyes: -1; Big Blue: +1!). She’s still an uber-happy girl, despite the challenges she faces with her family. She’s got a great head on her shoulders as far as finances, serving Christ, and just being a good citizen go. She’s SUPER-CUTE, too! She was always a beautiful girl but it was a delight to see her all lit up and classy and accessorised. We went to Goetta Fest with my Dad (who was sorely disappointed in the number of booths present) and then came back to my place to talk and hang. We were so busy talking that we didn’t even really eat dinner–nor did we really want to. In fact, we talked and laughed and talked some more until 3am before we finally drifted off to sleep–pretty much just like old times. (And I am so happy that I’m still not too old for something like that. :))
I can’t help but think think that, just a few weeks ago, seeing her wouldn’t have been the joy that it was this weekend. Sure, there would undoubtedly have been some joy in seeing her. It would have also been painful, though, since I would have associated Sarah with a time in my life that ended in great pain. Now, though, thanks to God’s abundant love, I could visit with her without holding back anything: all of my stories of the past 8 years having to do with church, love, pain, healing, change, and the revelation of Christ to me in numerous ways.
Thank you, God, for your Love, again! Thank you for the way Freedom accompanies Your Love and joins Her to break down the emotional walls which, until that moment, seemed to only be getting higher and thicker and, therefore, stronger. Thank You for reminding me to take in the view where I couldn’t before. The wall is gone! The work is plentiful and the reward is You: more Love, more Joy, more Freedom! Telling the story of what You’ve done for me grants me Freedom in You and keeps those walls from rebuilding: walls which I’d built to keep people from knowing the pain I was enduring (only enduring because You were there all along). Help me to not be afraid to share that Joy and Freedom with others in a way that expresses Your matchless love.
I pray this, continually, in Your name.