I came home from work tonight, and had the privilege of sharing dinner and conversation with my two beautiful friends Evelina and Nina. They're such great people. And they really are beautiful, but they're also the kind of women that you don't understand how truly beautiful they are until you get to know them. I could on, but really, I think that simple idea is best for now.
Then after they left, I finished cleaning up and flopped on my bed to skype a friend...or two....or three. And in the middle of two conversations I jumped up to go wash my face and brush my teeth and all those things that normal people decided to do when they realize it's starting to get late and they may be getting tired soon. Anyways, it occurred to me that maybe I should be doing something with my evening. And then the ridiculousness of that thought hit me. I am doing something with my time. Something of the utmost importance: loving people.
Somehow, I had found myself skyping with two of my best friends, emailing another best friend, reading a facebook message from another friend, facebook chatting with one of the girls from the summer camp I helped with last summer. And it wasn't just small talk.
Two of them were pouring out their hearts with such honesty about the challenges they are each facing. I could encourage a little and point them to Christ again and again, but I don't have the specific answers to their situations. Yet somehow, it helps to just listen. I love them, and I love how even as they write to me about what's going on, they begin to remind themselves to cast it all on Christ. I am so grateful to have these two sisters who are willing to travel this journey of life with me!
The little girl from camp was telling me all about her life in the way that only a twelve year old does, with excitement and the openness of a child that sincerely trusts that I care. Can I just tell you how incredibly humbling that thought was?
One friend wrote just a short email but the message of what she has learned and is learning, is an answer to prayer. One of my best friends was encouraging me to take a leap of faith (and have a "Peter moment" - that willingness to jump as soon as God gives the word) as I begin the job hunt.
And then, just in case you think I'm implying that only philosophical or emotionally doused conversation are worthwhile, let me assure you that one of my favorite moments is when my other best friends messages me that she's bored, and we joke about the trivial things, and discuss the craziness of weather, and our distaste for biology. We're close enough friends that every conversation doesn't have to be so intense.
I flopped back down on my bed with a new appreciation for the opportunity and privilege, seriously, privilege, of being able to spend time with each one of my friends.
So what did I do with my night? Well, I loved :)
Oh, and one quick note, Wednesday is the final day to vote in the Chase Community Giving on Facebook. One of my favorite organizations, Water Missions International, already won $25,000 in the first round, but in the second round they are competing for a shot at $500,000 to establish a Global Water Center to train people from around the world in "the best practices in the fields of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene." So to vote, go HERE.
Title taken from "When I'm Alone" by Brandon Heath
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