FRIENDS: When Nothing Else Will Do.

I have to admit that I've never been really good at making friends. I married an extrovert and quickly realized that his need for attention and being around others was one of the things I loved and found most challenging about him. But wait, this isn't about him, or me really, but essentially it starts with me.

My sisters are two of my closest friends

When I was very young I was extremely quiet, I would get very embarrassed when I had to talk to people and every time I was the spot light I would turn bright red. Things didn't change much as I got older and may have actually gotten worse. I had very few close friends in middle and high school and basically kept to myself as much as I could. I don't know why my social skills lacked so much, maybe it was my lack of confidence or some strange childhood trauma (yes I know, everyone blames their parents! haha)

When I entered college I was so afraid that I would be the lonely loser sitting in the back of the class hoping to disappear. But as luck would have it (or mostly just our Creator being gracious) I started getting out of my shell. My journey through college helped me to learn so much about myself, my character. As it turns out my shyness as a child didn't turn out so bad, I'm an introvert and that's ok. 

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Psalm 139: 13-15

As I look at my life I realize that despite my insecurities I have been blessed with amazing friends. They have all come at different times and through different circumstance, but they have been exactly what I've needed. When I needed someone to help me enjoy life and not take things so seriously one of these lovely ladies was there. When I needed spiritual guidance one of these lovely ladies was there. When I needed someone to help me get my head back in the books one of these lovely ladies was there. When I needed a shoulder to cry on one of these lovely ladies was there. When I needed to be challenged about my views and believes one of these lovely ladies was there.

I am who I am because of who Creator made me to be, because of the grace of my maker who gave me the support and encouragement that I needed when I needed it. When Nothing else will do, our Creator's love is there through friends.

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