Dani Marie is changing and growing every single day. She recently won the Best Personality award at a local charity pageant. I almost felt it was unfair to the other contestants, since she was the only one actually dancing, spinning, waving, and hugging other contestants on stage! A little lady in the crowd even commented, "The little blond has personality in the bag!" She still loves life. She loves dancing, singing, (Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the bed is forever stuck in my head) playing with her puppy, telling silly fairy tales, and going to church!
One of the sweetest things she is currently doing is making friends. She is at that perfect age where she really loves to meet new playmates. She will hug them and tell them they are her, "best friend"! I felt so touched the first time she told me, only to find out she had given the best friend title to her dad, cousin, and elderly neighbor earlier that same day. It is still sweet, however, because at that moment she means it. It has really had me reflecting on true friendships and the qualities I hope her "best friends" will possess.
It's truly amazing if we reflect back on our lives the people who have almost coincidentally crossed our paths, but turns out it was certainly God's hand who allowed the meeting to take place. I can't help but tear up when I think of my very best friend in the world, Michelle. My dad was working at a local grocery store, and we went to church with my Kindergarten teacher. He dropped me off in my classroom. I was five years old and the very first student to arrive. I climbed into the loft, and I waited. A few minutes after I arrived a little blond walked in. I quickly came bopping down the stairs and introduce myself.
"Hi! I'm Ashlee, do you want to be my friend?"
I am so thankful that she said yes! We have now been best friends for 25 years! During these years we have sometimes grown apart, gotten involved with different activities, gotten busy with life, etc. but we have always been just a phone call away. There were times we would go a month without talking, but we could call each other in tears the moment something happened. In these last 25 years, we have both dealt with some pretty sour situations. Life threw each of us our own tragedies, disappointments, and blessings, as well. I remember being in the car with her when I found out I passed my test to become a teacher! We cried tears of joy. I remember her holding me in tears when my body just wouldn't hold up to more fertility treatments. I remember her calling to tell me about a bad breakup, and I was ready to go give that boy a piece of my mind! I laugh and then I cry when I think of all the life memories we share. The thing that stands out the most to me is the prayers I have sent up for her. I know she has returned the favor. I had not a clue that fall morning when I first invited her to be my "friend" what our lives had in store. I could have never guessed that she would become more a piece of my heart than just a friend.
God knew! He knew exactly what he was doing. He knew we would need each other.
I have been blessed in this life with so many dear friends. I have some true friends who have loved me unconditionally.
There is another friend who I first knew as a friend of a friend. Our circles kind of overlapped. We are as different as night and day. We have hardly anything in common, but we compliment each other so well. She was the one who called me late the night Dani was born to let me know of this tiny girl's unexpected birth. That phone call, that friendship, played a large part in allowing me to find motherhood. That was no coincidence. God placed us in each other's lives for a reason. I am forever thankful for this precious friend who has become more like family
I have another friend who is my prayer partner. I had no clue when we started working together, what a large role this woman would play in my life. We have shared tears, prayer requests, and scripture on so many occasions. It's amazing the positive things that have happened in our lives since we joined forces as a prayer team. God knew exactly what He had planned when he allowed our paths to cross.
When I think of these special "best" friends, I cry tears of joy. They are parts of my heart. I hope and pray that Dani Marie finds these types of friendships. I hope she will keep that big personality, and invite others into her life without fear of rejection. I hope she finds a friend who will listen to her future plans, laugh with her, and remind her how beautiful she is after that first heartbreak leaves her feeling unsure. I hope and pray that she will have these friends, but also that she will be a friend.
I want to encourage you to reflect back on the friendships in your life. I hope like me, you have been blessed abundantly in the friendship department. Whether you have fifty "best" friends or you can not think of a single person who has been a true friend to you, I have hope for you. There is someone who is the true definition of a best friend. He will always be available when you need an ear to listen. In fact, this friend is longing to have daily, intimate conversations with you. He will comfort you and wipe your tears. He will help direct your path when you are confused about your direction.
I like to think that I would have the strength to take a bullet for these ladies I have mentioned and some others, but I know without a doubt that our "Best Friend" laid down his life for us. It tells us in the word, Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 What a friendship! I read a quote not long ago that said, "A friend who understands your tears is much more valuable than a bunch of friends who only know your smile." There is a lot of truth in this. No one understands every tear we have ever cried except for Jesus.
I want to challenge you today to evaluate the friendships in your life.
1. If you have a really good friend, text or call them today. Thank them for what they have been in your life.
2. Make it your goal to be a better friend. Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
3. If you don't know my "Best Friend", Jesus, I challenge you to invite Him in to your life today. You will be so glad you did.
I am including this picture! It makes me giggle.
P.S. A huge congratulations to my sweet friend I talked about earlier, Michelle. She actually called me last night to share the news that she is engaged!
I love y'all!
