Everything is all right with the world. My dishwasher is ready to run. My microwave is humming along with lunch. Lydia is asleep. My new Vera Bradley wallet is filled (not with money, but with my stuff). I’ve cleaned the bathrooms and picked up Lydia’s toys. I walked this morning. I gave Lydia a bath.
And the internet has brought me two new friends!
Well, one of them isn’t new exactly. Remember when I found all the stuff in my parent’s attic? One box was full of High School memorabilia. It was mainly report cards and student IDs. But there were a few notes in there. You know, the ones folded with a million folds like origami? They were mainly from my friend Stephanie. She and I were good friends in Middle School and we’d write the craziest notes to each other. We drew pictures of our band class and of each other. We had made up nicknames for each other and were just basically silly. When we got into High School we weren’t in the same classes or circles (I can’t even remember now) and we just didn’t hang out anymore. There wasn’t any animosity there…it was just one of those things.
I remember I had Chemistry with her boyfriend. I mean, we had the class Chemistry together! Ha! We talked about how she and I were good friends before and didn’t really even say hi now. He would always tell me, I wish you guys would get together again! Well, when I found those old notes, I knew I had to find her. So, I tried the usual mysapce & facebook. And sure enough found her boyfriend, who turns out to be her hubby. So, he did get us together again!
OK, this is getting to be a longer post than I intended. Anyway, we’ve emailed, she’s got a blog, 2 kids and we’re going to try to get together for a playdate! How fun is that?!
Now, my second friend. Well, I say she’s my friend. I think we’re destined to be great friends! She emailed me to let me know she’s been reading my blog for the past few months and feels like we’re kindred spirits. (My first fan mail!) She’s in children’s ministry, 30 and the daughter of pastors. So, yeah, I think we might click!
She said, “I hope you don’t find this weird.” Oh my goodness, no! One of the first blogs I ever read was Joy‘s. She was a friend of Candace’s. And I fell in love with her. I felt like we were kindred spirits. And I emailed her to let her know I was following her life online. So, I know what it’s like to be a stalker! I’m great at it. I just can’t believe someone would want to stalk me!
Earlier I said it was the internet that delivered them to me, but what I really mean is that I think it’s God. I believe there is purpose in everything. I don’t believe God moves us like pawns and we have no say. I’m not talking about destiny. I just know that God has plans for us.
Psalm 139 (my favorite chapter in the Bible) says, “every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed…” That used to upset me. I didn’t like thinking about God writing my days and too-bad-for-you if you don’t like it. But now, I see it differently. I think that God has planned the biggest and best life for me. I think He planned my friends in middle school. I believe he planned my husband. I believe he planned my jobs. Of course, the world, my will, other people, the devil and my choices can make my life deviate from this plan. But when I decide to and work hard at following Him, I’m blessed.
I think He blesses me even in the little things–finding an old friend, making a new one, getting a compliment from a mom at the park, having exact change when you need it, getting a deal on a purchase or just that undeniable sense of peace and joy on the inside.
And for some reason God has brought me this blog (and yes, the internet at large) to bless me. We’ve traveled a lot since we’ve been married. We’ve been uprooted from our friends too many times to count. We’ve even closed our hearts to new relationships. And now, we’re in a season of being able to reconnect with friends, deepen relationships with family and receive from Him.
I’m feeling very happy and loved today!
Anonymous says
It’s a small world we live in, and God’s plans are always awesome:)
Anonymous says
that’s so cool. And fan mail – lol you’re so cute. I never thought I would ever get into blogging (after many many months of Tim forcing it upon me) but I’ve met so many amazing people and it’s suddenly made the world a smaller, more attainable place, and that’s just so cool.
says
What a cool story! It is crazy how God works!
says
God has blessed me by YOU! So thank you. And you’re right about how He has planned every second of all our days. I have had troubles really grasping that in the past, too, but then when you look back, it’s so much easier to see that it really was something planned and not something stumbled upon. The longer I live my life the more I know that there is no way my life wasn’t planned! You’re completely right about our friends, our husbands, and the same is with our children. They were born to us because God wanted us to be the parents to the children we have. Which reminds me that there’s a reason why God gave me my son and the struggles we face in discipline! 🙂
Love and hugs, a.
Anonymous says
Ohhhh…I needed that reminder today! Thank you. It’s been kind of a yuck day and that’s just good to remember that this day is no surprise to God. The good days and the bad– He knows them and best of all He’s there. I’m so thankful I found your blog and friendship amongst all the million blogs out there (God knew that too, huh?)!
says
My most common prayer is for God to give me eyes to see everything He does for me.
Sometimes I do, but most of the time I don’t.
It sounds like today you’ve been blessed with that clear vision of Him working in your life. Good stuff.
says
Aw, glad you feel loved!!! I sure do love you.
says
I think those are little kisses/hugs from God. The times that are just too good to be true! The reconnections or connections that are impossible in the natural! What a great God we serve!!
Blessings! And – How can you forget your cute siggy?? 🙂
says
Hey, that’s me!! I’m so honored to be in your blog, and even more so to be back in your life. Josh and I have talked so much lately how we want to find new friends who are in a similar path in life, both physically and spiritually. Who knew it would be old friends? (Duh – God.) If we just put our faith in Him, it’s amazing what happens. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us, Gertrude! Or were you Bertha? I can’t remember…