Friends

When I think back on my history of friendships, I have many good memories.

My best friend, Jenny, from childhood. We would swim together. And "fish" together. One time she threw her "fishing pole" (a stick with a string and hook attached) back and hooked my ear. I didn't hold it against her. We put on shows together for our family. We caught frogs together and found hide-outs in the woods. My heart broke when we moved away. Thanks to facebook, we are friends again!

Then there was Karrie. She was so nice to me when I was the new kid at school. We shared a passion for music...she still has one of the purest voices I've ever heard. Then we entered middle school and drifted apart.

I also have some not-so-good memories.

All through middle school and into high school, I struggled with friendships (don't most girls?). I always seemed to get into the 3-friend triangles and I would end up getting hurt. I'm sure I had fault as well, but I remember the hurt of betrayal and gossip.

As I was ending high school, I found the Lord and a great church. With this life change came some great relationships.

What started as mentoring relationships have grown into real, genuine friendships. One of those friends is now my hubby :) We have seen each other get married, have babies (and more babies!) move away, move back and change jobs. We have experienced many laughs and many tears together.

I love my friends because they are constant. They love me for who I am and they allow me room to grow. I love that I get to witness their growth as well.

Relationships can be hard, but when you choose wisely and invest your heart, the rewards are great.