Old Friend

I went to lunch with a girlfriend of mine whom I have not seen in over 2 1/2 years. We have know each other for about 6 years. We met at a training class for a certification for our work. At that time, we were both very "green" Christians. Actually, I don't know that either of us really knew that the other was a Christian (we probably barely knew ourselves). We would meet at the Chili's bar after our training sessions and hang out for hours. We exchanged emails and kept in distant touch.

Some how, 2 1/2 years ago we crossed paths again and met for lunch around Christmas time. At that time, I saw a huge difference in her demeanor. She was a full blow Christian really involved with church and small groups and having so much faith. I was kind of in the same stage too, so we had a great conversation catching up and went on our ways again.

So a few months ago my boss asked if I knew someone named BF. I said yes, from a training class years ago. He said his wife has mentored her and she is part of their house group. Small world I thought. So I emailed her again just to say Hi and mention we both knew my boss, etc. Few weeks later she was emailing me to let me know they were downsizing at her company and at the end of June she would no longer have a job. Wow....

We got together for lunch today and it is so refreshing to see someone with so much faith and hope and trust in knowing she is exactly where she is supposed to be. She is not actively looking for a job, because she knows God has great plans for her, whatever they may be. It was amazing. Made me think sooo much about so many things. How far away I feel from God lately, how we really have not gotten fully back into the groove of church again, no small groups, no real interaction with other Christians on a regular basis.

I kind of feel like I am in a slump...but know that God has a plan for me. He has given me Grace since Jos was born. He knew I would need this time to get to know my new daughter, get used to a new routine, even support my husband through his job fiasco and my FIL's illness. It is weird.

But, I have been feeling this nagging/tugging in my heart lately. I think I eluded to it in another post where I felt like I was losing my communication skills with people. I have been trying to pull out some old inspirational books, look for new books, get together with old friends, find new ways to find the Faith again.

I think she helped a lot...I feel like we are both on the track to something new, refreshing, and amazing. Her, a new direction in her life whether it be with a new job, school, ministry. Me, a new direction in my life whether it be a new addition to our family, re-introducing myself to the church and volunteering, getting involved with another small group...I don't know...but I feel something coming on.

Tomorrow we get to attend a 1st birthday party for one of Jos' friends from school. Fun...get to see how to do this kind of thing. Still don't know what we are going to do for invitations or where or what type of "theme". At least we know it will be on Labor Day!

Sunday, off to find another car seat for DH's car (and to use on a plane when we travel soon). Then back downtown to see FIL in the hospital. STILL. We are all so tired of going down there and of him being in the hospital. I can't think that 5-weeks in the hospital can be good from a health standpoint, let alone from a mind standpoint. It really screws with your sense of reality when you don't get to get outside and see the world. He is weak, can barely stand. Is still having a hard time with this stomach virus. Ughhh. Why? When will he get out? Please continue to pray fervently for him and his health and his confidence.

Have a great weekend.