Saturday February 6 2016  WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY THE MOUSE WILL PLAY

Today, I was the mouse!  Dave has been gone all day long to a men’s retreat so this little mouse just let the day get away. 

On Saturdays I usually go to the gym without Dave.  What that means is, if I meet someone who wants to talk and visit (while not exercising), I can do so.  On the days we go together I try to stay on task because what I do always takes more time than what Dave does.  He doesn’t stay for the hydro massage when he is done and I ALWAYS DO!  Uh oh, now you found out why I really go work out.  I do it for the massage table time!  Yeah!!!  When Dave is not with me I don’t need to rush.  When we are together I try to finish up so he doesn’t have to wait for me.  But…when he’s away, I can play!

Well, today there just happened to be an even better reason for taking so long.  I met a beautiful young lady and we started talking.  And we talked, and talked.  When we separated I actually had to do another round of warm-up exercises before I could start my work out.  I didn’t ask if I could share her name so I will just share a little bit about the conversation, or at least the reason for the conversation.

I wonder if you have ever heard the phrase, “divine appointment”.  It is when timing coincides just perfectly for two people to meet, exactly when they are supposed to meet.  Sort of like what happened when I met Dave 44 years ago.  Well today was one of those divine appointments.  The young lady I spoke to today felt the same way.  She said the words I spoke to her today were purposed for her to hear this very day.  She was needing encouragement to continue on her goals of training, workouts, and weight loss incentive.  She didn’t say it in those words but I am improvising a long conversation into a few short sentences. 

When I first saw her I knew there was something special about her.  She had such a beautiful smile and her face just glowed.  During our conversation we discovered that we both love the Lord and desire His will for our lives.  What I recognized on her face was God’s countenance.  Somehow when two spirits such as ours meet, we recognize God’s presence in each other.  For some reason I believe our “chance encounter” was more than just chance, and will develop into a relationship on some level.  It may just be seeing each other at the gym, or becoming lifelong friends.  I am open for whatever God wants our relationship to be. 

As I listened to a sermon the other day while working out, the minister was saying how very important it is that WE CHOOSE OUR FRIENDS CAREFULLY.  Those you spend time with, you become like them.  I believe most parents see that also happening as their children become involved with other children.  We as parents try to steer our children away from those we  think may be a bad influence on them.  The same goes for adults as well. 

I remember as a young child zeroing in on certain other kids and deciding who I wanted for a friend.  Several of those friends stand out in my mind.  Arlene in Kindergarten,  Albert from our apartment complex (and we are still friends for over 60 years now), my friend Nancy Gail from Junior High (all the way through High School), and my friend Sue who was new to our church when I was in College (she was my maid of honor and has been a cherished  friend all these years).  And I certainly remember zeroing in on Dave on Saturday, October 28, 1972, before I had even been introduced to him.  And we’ve now been married almost 43 years.  And everyone of those friends that I chose had a profound reason in my life’s journey. 

Later, it seemed that I went through a season where others were choosing me as their friend.  This was discussed in conversations with each of them over the years.  They picked me and did not give up until I was their friend.  Sometimes I resisted at first, but they all became tried and true friends.  The first was Judy in Southern Calfornia (who is now with the Lord), the next was Sandra, and though we live states apart we are still close and email and chat.  And then it was time for me to pick.  But the one I picked could not stand me.  However…she ended up being one of the best friends  for over eighteen years before she went to be with the Lord in 2005.  Her name was Barb.  And then there is my friend Sherry.  If I remember correctly she picked me and won me over into her court.  A better friend would be hard to find.  She is selfless, giving, and speaks her mind (which I sometimes need to hear).  She is still near and dear to my heart and I can hardly wait for her to retire at the end of this school year!  I think we could get into a bit of mischief if given the chance.

 

And sometimes God just picks my friends for me.  One of the first times I believe it was a mutual connection.  I saw her at church standing with her husband by her side in a dimly lit room full of Christmas decorations at a Prime Time event. There was just something that drew me toward them.   Little did I know what would take place in our hearts from that point forward.  Not only did I get one of a best friends for life, but Dave was also blessed with a friend.  My friend Lana and her husband now live many miles away, but forever there is a connection between us.  And then there was another such connection.  Again, I was at prime time when I looked up and saw her across the room.  I believe God whispered in my heart that I was to be her friend.  Her name was Rose Marie.  Oh, what a wonderful gift God gave me that night.  She connected with my heart the first moment I saw her.  She was so full of the Love of the Lord that she just radiated His persona.  She too, is now with the Lord. 

And on another unsuspecting morning when I was hosting a women’s event in our living room I looked outside and a group of women came walking up my sidewalk.  One of the ladies I had never seen before.  Before she got to the door I had that same tug on my spirit that a new friend was walking into my life.  And Judy V. still lives close by. 

The friends I mentioned above from Junior high on are from different areas, different states, different backgrounds, but all having one thing in common.  And that “thing” is actually a “who”.  Every one of them love the Lord.  Yes, I have friends who do not believe spiritually as I do, and they too are special and I love them dearly.  It is just that we don’t socialize as much, or do as much together.  We spend the most time with those whom we have the most in common with.  They are the ones who we influence, and who influence us, to become more like each other.

And today, I think I met a very special lady who I think I would enjoy developing a friendship with.  I am more than twice her age so she may not have the same idea.  But that’s okay.  If God wants us to be friends, we’ll be friends.  It may be for a long time or it may just be for a while.  God has purposely brought many friends into my life for short term relationships.  One older friend I had for many years told me “ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU MAKE SOME FRIENDS WHO ARE YOUNGER THAN YOURSELF”.  An older lady told that to her as she lived to be very old and one by one all the friends in her life died off and she had no one left.  I think that is excellent wisdom. 

There are many more friends that have influenced me as well.  So many have come and gone.  Their mission in my life completed or my mission in theirs fulfilled.  It doesn’t mean they are no longer important, because sometimes the briefest influence can have the most lasting results.  I thank God for all the people he has brought into my life over the years that have helped me through my journey of life.  I just hope I have helped others as well.

 

FRIENDS ARE GOD’S GIFT TO US

By Kathleen Martens

February 6, 2016

 

Friendships come and friendships go,

Time and distance span the years.

And death comes to knock at the door

Leaving those behind with tears.

 

But there is a reason friendships develop

For even a short period of time.

Perhaps there is work in the heart to be done

And for that friend it’s easy to find.

 

And when that friend’s mission is complete,

God may bring someone else to the door.

For God provides just who is needed

That can reach deep into our core.

 

And you may be the secret angel

That God places in another’s world,

To touch a place in their heart

That only you can help unfurl.

 

Thank God daily for those in your life

Who lend their strength with a helping hand.

A friend is one who is willing to give

Assistance to help you stand.

 

Our friends are God’s gift to us,

Be ready and willing to believe

There is always a reason he brings two together,

So be gracious, and with love receive.

 

Good night and God bless you.

 

If you haven’t heard from an old friend for a while, stop and give them a call.  Friends are great treasures!