We three comrades in arms meet every month just to relax and catch up with each other. It is so soothing to know that you are not alone, but that everyone has stuff they are working on fixing - and much of it is the same stuff. I hear them discuss how their parents are doing and what their children are up to, and I smile. This is life. This is normal. This is us doing what women everywhere do. What we can. When we can. Without driving ourselves nuts.
Today we meet at one of our homes and literally break bread together. The food is hot and delicious. The conversation is punctuated with laughter, the weather outside chill but unable to touch us. We are all listened to respectfully, compassionately. Where else could I possibly expect anyone to understand what I am struggling with, how I feel when my family is a bit overly much, how frustrating it is to stretch a dollar beyond what even the good Lord would think reasonable.
OK, I am blessed because I do have a number of places and situations where I am clearly in good company, but I cherish this particular group immensely. We are sisters. And I am fortunate to have sisters in many places - four even from my own family. Isn't it wonderful when God blesses you with caring and intelligent women who nurture you and challenge you and help you take the next steps even when those steps are difficult?
Tonight we linger at table long after the plates are empty and our stomach full, chatting, enjoying being free from the usual grinding demanding hectic schedule. I can't imagine anywhere I would rather be than surrounded friends like these. I look into their eyes and smile as I pray for each of them.
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