The preacher said something this morning that has been stirring in my mind. He mentioned (not in these exact words but maybe how God intended for me to hear) that we take for granted the gift of joy. We get busy with the day to day and forget sometimes to experience joy. Guilty as charged. This got me to thinking about friendships these past few years and how they’ve brought me joy. I thought I’d share about one in particular. I must admit, too, that as an adult, it’s only been in the last few years that I feel like I have friends. I often throw myself into work, husband, and kids and have not done a great job in fostering relationships. I am glad God knew better and put me in situations where friendships could grow organically and without any pressure to be something I am not. Lord knows I have never been the “cool” friend-more the nerdy, old soul one that doesn’t know any new music pass 1980 something and don’t get me started on name brands. I digress. Here’s how one special friendship started…

Some of the most cherished friendships I have ever had happened unexpectedly. This particular friendship the same way and started three years ago when I began working at Naheola Credit Union. I had never worked in banking a day in my life, and here I was trying to figure out how I would take a new position-Marketing Specialist and do it justice. Leslie had interviewed me for the position. When meeting her for the interview, I was intimidated. I knew she had been in the banking world a long time and knew her stuff. At first, I would only see her at management meetings, but we eventually went to a conference together. That’s where our friendship began to blossom. I realized really quickly that she and I were cut from a very similar cloth if not the same cloth. We shared very similar ideals and personalities. She is and was at the time a big encourager, something I needed in navigating my new career. In looking back, I am amazed how God puts people in our lives at the right exact time. We eventually began working together at the satellite office of the Credit Union in Demopolis. We shared many laughs, tears, and hugs throughout those times.

When my pregnancy became challenging as it was unknown what would happen with Anderson’s left kidney, she was always there to listen, give an encouraging word, and just be a much needed distraction.

In the last year, I decided to change my career path. I was excited but was dreading to tell Leslie. I knew that I would miss our day to day interactions. However, when I let her know, she reminded me that she would always be there for me. We do not see each other as much as I would like but I know she will always be there for me. I hope, too, that she knows that I will do the same for her.

I thank God for her and our friendship. As an adult, friendships are few because of prior commitments-kids, husband, LIFE. The ones you do have, hold on to them. Make time for them. Don’t forget them. They are precious. You will often find them when you least expect them but God’s timing is perfect.

Thank you Leslie. I love you and are so very thankful for our friendship.