Friends

I had the opportunity to go away on a women's weekend this past weekend, and I went - and I am so glad I did. There were 19 women and 3 babies in a ginormous cabin in Gatlinburg. Saying "I had a great time" just isn't sufficient. There were so many levels of time spent this weekend.

There was shopping time - which included "tats," eating shrimp, and seeing what different styles we like.

There was game time - which involved getting to see who are the competitive ones - some I already knew were VERY competitive!!!

There was talking time(s) - which involved really opening up and seeing others open up in ways we don't normally have the opportunity to do.

There was walking time - which involved sweating and learning that, unlike siblings, friends will wait for you and won't leave you.

There was pampering time - which involved friends who enjoy doing things for another simply to make your friend feel better.

There was creative time - which involved sharing ideas, getting help from each other and then sometimes figuring it out on our own.

So now you can see why I can't just say I had a great time! These are precious memories that I will store away for a rainy day when I need to remind myself that I am blessed with friends who are real and imperfect just like me.

God gives gifts in all kinds of packages, and in giving these gifts, He is saying "I love you" in a whole new way.