We had the absolute best weekend. There is nothing like being with friends who know you inside and out, who know what it is like to live with you on a daily basis, who know things you are proud of and things you would rather forget (and sometimes they even let you)...there really is no friend like a college roommate.
As I drove home on Sunday I thought of countless blessings that come from a weekend like the one I just had....
1. I called Tony on the way home...he and the boys had had an amazing weekend at the ranch. Tony, my dad, and my brother spent the weekend taking care of our boys. I knew Payton and Benjamin were truly experiencing life with the guys when I called on Friday night at 11:30 to see how things had gone and Tony said, "I am going to have to call you back, I am in the middle of making the boys dinner..." What?! They had the best time. My dad blessed me by saying "Tony is the absolute best dad, it brought me alot of joy to watch him parent the boys."
2.I called my mom and dad and once again thanked them for ACU... loved it while I was there, love the fruit of friendship that still grows as result of my time there.
3. I am so blessed to have friends with which we can be laughing over something so ridiculous and in the next minute someone has their Bible out sharing a truth they have just taken hold of.
4. I am realizing what a gift it is to have friends who don't just support me in my marriage, they love my husband. All through out the weekend I was reminded of each of us standing as bridesmaids at each wedding...at every wedding we felt confident our friend was making the best choice but now, years later- to see that affirmed by stories told and actions seen makes me love the Lord that much more. As I reflected on the weekend I realized no one ever shared a negative story about their husband...So many were told of walking through tough times and seeing the strength of the men we married...We prayed together often for these men long before we even knew them...This weekend we rejoiced together that the Lord brought Tony, Richard, Mark, Mike and Koy as the answer to those prayers.
5. We spent many a night in college staying up talking and snacking on Rice Crispie cereal...we have definitely matured...we stayed up late on Friday with an actual "fountain of chocolate" dipping everything in it we could think of.
6. We have learned a weekend is too short to spend it acting like someone we are not. I love these weekends because I am always reminded of who I am without all the layers. We laugh together a lot...but there are always challenges of really? why do you feel that way? explain that? I love the realness that emerges.
7. It is great to realize that though life is changing us...the core of who you are and your God-given gifts remain the same...
I started trying to list off every roommate and all of their gifts, but I can share that with each of them rather than the world (or the 2 people that will actually read this). The point is this...I remember on a trip to Africa when I was a child I got lost at a marketplace. I was not gone long enough for anyone in my family to even know I was gone but being in a foreign land, with a foreign language being spoken and feeling seperated was terrifying. I remember the feeling of immediate peace when I saw my dad's head (He is 6'7) across the way. My dad was there I was safe.
My senior year in college my grandmother died...I was sad, exhausted, and altogether worn out from the day of visitation, funeral and everything that goes with it. I remember feeling lost in it all as I got out of the car for the burial. I vividly remember looking up and seeing my roommates - they had all driven to Weatherford to support me. The feeling of peace was immediate, the feeling of being secure in a friendship brought tears of thankfulness.
Each year when we come together each of us has experienced joys and pain, trials and victories...easy to get lost in it all...and yet the security of old friends brings a peace and a joy that is truly a gift from God. As I drove home on Sunday I wiped away those same tears of thankfulness. It was a wonderful weekend!
5 comments:
I just stumbled upon your blog. I was at ACU with you and in club with most of your roommates. How is it that all of you look the same even after children? Each of you have always had such a sweet spirit and I am so glad you have remained so close. ACU is a wonderful place. You family is precious too.
My gosh, everyone looks the exact same. You're all beautiful!!! I relate to the friend thing....there is nothing like having several roommates that know you so well. ACU is a special place that really brings you lasting friendships. Thanks for sharing...
So wierd! The day you responded on my blog I had been looking at the ACU Leadership Camps website for my niece (Amy's oldest) and I started to think about you. Then I checked my blog and there you were! So glad I've hooked up with you again. Your boys are precious. You need to share some tips on how to deal with them...very perplexing. Although, my daughter isn't any easier to understand. Oh well. Thanks for stopping by and keep in touch.
Beck--so thankful that you girls had such a great time..again. You all look just as beautiful as you did in college. Thanks for sharing!
Becky, I am looking forward to next weekend with my college girls as well...we have only done it for three years now, and reading your post just made me hope and pray even more that it continues. What a sweet blessing those friendships are...now I really can't wait for next weekend to see my girls! That time is so precious and important.
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