Where to begin...The thing that jumps out the most at me is what God has been teaching me about friendships. When we first moved to the area, I was super excited to meet anyone and everyone. Well, the newness is wearing off. Being the "new" person after five months doesn't seem so new anymore. I think being away from familiar faces and close friends at Christmas time triggered some homesickness. We just recently decided to jump in and become a member at the church we've been attending, Sovereign Grace. We had a "new member interview" a couple of weeks ago with one of the pastors there. He actually just came over to our house and talked for a couple of hours. Towards the end of our time, he mentioned talking to a couple of other families that had recently been through similar situations as us. Then he said something that really spoke to my heart. He said that God is a kind God. He will preserve the friendships that He intends for us to keep, and let go of the ones he doesn't. In time we will build new friendships here that are strong just like some that we've had for years already. I am extremely thankful for those friendships that have already stood the test of time and I can say confidently that they will forever have a place in my heart. I've also learned a lot about being a friend through this process. I am much more likely to go up to someone I've never met regardless of the circumstances and invite them to be a part of my life, and hopefully become part of theirs. Growing up as a "shy" child and never talking to anyone I didn't know (and sometimes people I did) it's amazing to see how much God has grown me. Even still, I know that I have much much more to learn about loving others as Christ first loved us. I really do desire to be someone who warmly and lovingly opens my home as well as my arms to others. I know some of those people have really made the last few months an easier transition for me. So feel free to call me out on being selfish with my time as is my tendency (I still desire to put God and my family first). That is the other thing God is doing in my life - breaking my pride. Logan is the main tool he is using for that! That's a whole different post!
In light of the whole friendship blurb, I did want to mention one way that God kindly surprised me in a friendship. About a month ago, I was super excited to find an old friend on facebook. A really old friend...my neighbor from the time I was probably two until I was about 13 and my best friend growing up! God took us in different directions through the end of high school and college so we had lost touch. I sent her a message, and didn't get a reply (or so I thought). It turns out that I just didn't receive an email notification of her message. She sent me her phone number, and as soon as I saw it I ran downstairs (quietly so as not to wake up Logan) and called her. It was a very sweet time to catch up on the last few years. Our moms had bumped into each other here and there so we knew a little about what was going on in each other's lives, but it was very heart warming to reconnect with such a good friend. It's fun to look back on almost our whole lives and see the girls who sat on the monkey bars together and fought over who would be the teacher - the "Elizabeth sisters" and talk about our families now and who God has made us today.
And on one more friend note, the slide show at the bottom is from Christmas with some amazing friends who have been there for our family through thick and thin...the Johnstons. OK most of the pics are of Logan and Sadie, but I pray that God would give them special friendships as well.
*Let me know what you think of the smilebox program. I'm thinking of signing up so the pages will appear bigger on the screen.
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| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
5 comments:
Thanks for sharing. I think it's fine for you to share, too. It is the Radez family blog, not just the Logan blog. :) Relationships are a great sanctifying tool, whether you live in the same place your whole life (like me), or move around some (like you). I will be praying God richly blesses and grows you through your relationships.
Elizabeth, I truly appreciate your openness and sharing. It is a good reminder to me that you can spend years in one place but not make lasting friendships. It is the effort you put out to embrace and encourage others, however, allowing the Lord to grow those relationships. I think you are correct - some relationships will stand the test of time and others will fade. As a believer, though, we should think, reflect and pray for the people that we don't necessarily come in contact with on a daily basis. Very convicting - thank you. Love, Lisa Ellis
I love you! Thanks for being open and honest. I would love to read about your feelings on a regular basis. It helps me know how to pray for you. I am just so thankful that God blessed us with our friendship! Keeping striving to get through this and allow Christ to grow you during this time!
So true about how God will sustain those special friendships - looking forward to the years ahead with you:)
Thanks for all your encouraging words!! They really warmed my heart! I loved reading your input! Love you guys!
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