I had lunch with a special friend today and had the most amazing talk. We started with the usual catching up, family, marriage, friends, jobs, and then moved into things that we were working on or struggling with. I can’t speak for her, but I felt very comfortable to be very real about my feelings. I forget that it is ok to allow yourself to speak the truth even if it projects you in a light that indicates there is a struggle. God never said we couldn’t talk about our struggles. In fact, God shows up when we get together in the spirit of Him and discuss what He has done to help with whatever we are going through at the moment.
I loved being able to discuss some pain and past experiences that continue to creep up every now and then. Even more, I love talking about how God has helped me get through it. I also loved asking her advice about what she would do. Sometimes it helps for someone else to give an outside opinion that causes us to see something differently. I felt so encouraged from our talk that I knew the Holy Spirit was with us. In our friendly discussion, we were honest about opinions and what suggestions we had for each other, keeping in mind that prayer is essential. In the midst of it all, we continued to bring it back to God and what He already has done or shed light on what he could do with each situation. It is always hard to break from a good friend and a good discussion of God when it is time to move on with our day. That is one of the things I love the most about God. No matter what our schedule is or what time of day it is, He is present and ready to help us tackle our day as well as lay out the continued plan that He has for us.
As I got in my car feeling so upbeat and encouraged, I heard the most beautiful song. It was playing at the exact moment that I needed to hear the words it offered. A true gift from God and continued confirmation for me to stay in the commitment. It is by Matthew West and is called “Broken things.” It was beautiful. I am reminded today that we serve a God who loves each of us no matter what we have faced. I am also reminded that as we continue to grow, heal, and forgive from the past, God is pleased.