Last night I hosted my favorite event of the year…a cookie exchange party. This was the 16th year of celebrating the Christmas season with cookies and friends. But, this party is so much more than cookies. A reporter from the Austin American Statesman came to last year’s party and wrote a story about it. I believe she did a good job of trying to explain that the party is more than just cookies. But, even so, I felt like she missed something. Something that is hard for even me to put in words because I am overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude.....I will try to explain.
I am not good at showing people how much I love them. In fact, I am really bad at it. I don’t give cards or write thank you notes. I forget birthdays. My friends joke that until recently I didn’t even know how to give a decent hug. If there was one thing that I wish I was better at it would be in this area. I want to be better at expresing appreciation, to extending grace, and admiration. I want to be more generous with my time and resources to my friends. I want to be bold enough to speak out and eloquently convey how much I am blessed by their friendship. I am a work in process......
But, I can cook pretty well. So one night of the year, I prepare a meal, bake a few cookies, clean my house and welcome old and new friends to my home. Last night as we gathered in my dining room to exhange our cookies, I looked around at each of the women and I was reminded of the bible verse:
Philippians 1:3….”Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”
God brought each of these women into my life. He handpicked each one of these beautiful ladies to be my friend. I love these women so much. Each one is picture of God’s faithfulness. Through the years, this group of women has experienced life together. We have rejoiced at the births of children and grandchildren. We have celebrated new marriages, new jobs, graduations and successes. But, we have also grieved together over the loss of husbands. We have buried children together; we have suffered together through illness, through financial hardships and heartbreak. We have been together through good times and not so good times. But, in all of that God never left our side. Last night, I was also reminded of those women that were not there for various reasons. Even in their absence, they are so very special to me and I longed for them to be in at that room. I celebrated that God sent new friends last night, some that I met for the very first time. I believe it was a promise to me that there is still good times to come, new friendships, and new memories to be made. And through it all….He is faithful. He works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.....including friendships.
