Christina (r) and I, Radisson Hotel Downtown Minneapolis, August 2010Meet one of the best surprises of my year so far — Christina. I’ve only known her since January, and yet because of the nature of our friendship, it seems so much longer than that. We are both Catholic women with a deep desire to have faith be a central part of our lives. We are both writers. And though different circumstances brought us to this, we’re both following the path of independent communicators.
But there are differences, too. Christina is young, in her late 20s. She doesn’t have children, not yet anyway. She’s practically a blushing bride still, a newlywed barely into her second year of marriage. And yet I’ve already learned so much from her. She’s been such an encouragement to me in my writing venture, and hopefully I’ve offered something of value to her as well. Our faith bond and her wisdom beyond her years makes up for the age discrepancy (I’ll be 42 this week).
I was honored to sneak in a little bit of time with Christina while in the Twin Cities this weekend for a concert at the Minnesota State Fair with my husband. The concert was outdoors and on the most beautiful night of the summer, I have to believe. The band, Rush, is one that Troy and I heard in college many years ago. Our first two cats were named after members of the band, Alex and Geddy. It was a wonderful concert and evening.
The next morning, Christina and I stole away for a wee bit to take in a coffee house Christina selected, aptly called “Common Roots.” While there, we enjoyed a hot drink and shared ricotta pancakes with lemon sauce and raspberries, as well as caught up on everything that email could not contain these past months.
What I really want to say about this beautiful new friendship is that when you’re my age, the friendship landscape feels fairly settled. You don’t expect a surprise like I’ve had with Christina. You don’t expect God to handpick a person to enter your life in the way that Christina did mine (another story entirely, and one worth repeating someday). When it does happen, you know that it is pure gift, and you marvel at how creative God can be, and you wonder, with great anticipation, what the future holds for this new relationship, and all that might be possible through it.
It’s a beautiful life, this life that God has created and offered to us. And today, I’m feeling profoundly thankful for the gift of friendship, especially the kind that flowers quickly because it has been fashioned by the Creator.
Q4U: When was the last time God surprised you?
This is so beautiful! Being surprised by friendship, I think, is still one of the greatest surprises God has in store for us.
You are very blessed.
Well, God surprised me today. My mother-in-law came around with a beautiful big bunch of flowers for no reason other than she was thinking of me.
How beautiful!
New friends are such a blessing.
And I must say that I was a little freaked out to read your title. I’m quoting from Charlotte’s Web today too! Then I found that you have a birthday this week? Me too! Sept. 1st.
Some friendships are meant to be!
Holly, I imagine there will be more of that in heaven someday. Think of all the surprises that are in store there, including seeing our babies for the first time. 🙂
Tabitha, I LOVE fresh flowers. You lucky gal — what a way to start the week! (What a nice mother-in-law too!)
Rebecca, oh my, now I’ve got goosebumps. So many of our posts have by in sync, and now, to find out your birthday is a day before mine? Incredible! I will be thinking of you this week, along with another dear writer friend who celebrates her special day this week as well. We’re in good company!
I don’t think that God even considers age when he brings people into our lives. We might feel settled, but God knows when to send someone to fill the void. Blessings to you and your new friend. Glad you enjoyed the concert!
What a beautiful story 🙂 It sounds like the kind of friendship that is based on such a firm foundation it can only flourish from this time forward.
My father passed away earlier this summer. On that night, God blazed a trail straight up to heaven. The sunset was the most spectacular thing I have ever witnessed and my hubby, a photographer captured it. It was a true gift from God on a heart wrenching night and it has brought me immense comfort 🙂
Vicki, oh, I can just imagine it now. And what a gift! I can see why you have treasured it, as well you should. I’m sorry to hear about your father. I don’t know it yet, but can only imagine the void left by the death of a parent. I wish you peace as you move through the grieving, and learning to love your father in new ways, from afar. 🙂 Someday, you will see him again. Until now, may his presence be known to you in many ways, including brilliant sunsets.
Roxane,
I am so glad that I had the time to catch up with some of my blogger friends today! What a treat your post was and the reminder of how friendship is such a special gift we give and receive! (also, how fun for you and your hubby to have a chance to celebrate your couplehood!)
Love the photo and the story! God surprised me just yesterday by keeping me uncharacteristically calm in the midst of techno turmoil. Somehow I kept smiling, knowing all was really okay even if my computer screen didn’t show it.
Very sweet story, Roxane! It’s so great that you and Christina were blessed with that time together!
How lovely!