August ended and September began with a lot of emotions. Our campus reopened to welcome thousands of new students and even more returning ones. Settling into my new home has been a beautiful blessing and full of adventure. And as fall weather
creeps in, the crisp mornings and cool evenings have left me in an ultra contemplative mode.
I’m thinking about what I was doing this time last year. I’m thinking about new seasons, new adventures and new connections. And I’m thinking about the people who have held me down, not only during these recent transitions, but throughout my life.
My longest-standing, active and consistent friendship is 21 years old. There are others – from undergrad, grad school, Peace Corps, various jobs and my current city of residence – that span from 30 plus years to just a few months. These are the people I laugh and cry with, share my highest AND lowest moments with… those who cheer me on and who I support in their endeavors. These relationships remain a central reason for why I retain hope in the world and continue to see goodness in humanity. These relationships bring me great joy and provide room for me to give, love, accept, be accepted, forgive, celebrate, REST, and restore in community.
On today, this month, and so very often, I am grateful for my FRIENDS! It is no secret that I miss those I’m no longer in physical proximity to. It is also no secret that my time in my new city has been one big bundle of experimentation, pivots and trials in establishing deep, meaningful, purposeful AND mutually beneficial relationships. I’m appreciative of where I am today and who I walk alongside. My life is richer. My heart bigger. My gratitude that much more overflowing because of YOU. Thank you for journeying with me.
On today and everyday, I am celebrating my platonic friends. I hope you’ll join me in recognizing the beautiful blessing in FRIENDS. Yes, we get to experience love in all sorts of wonderful ways. Let’s not take our friends for granted in this love overflow.
Photos by Clarke Sanders , Junior REIS and Zach Vessels on Unsplash