THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE

When I was a kid I just had a few close friends. That’s all I needed. As I’ve grown older, I’ve decided that a few close friends are definitely great, but there is always room for more. Sometimes I seek out someone I’ve met and intentionally drawing her closer to become better friends. But sometimes these people just fall into my lap, so to speak. Sometimes I don’t even realize how much I needed this person in my life until they are actually smack in the middle of my life. Like Phoebe.

Phoebe is actually the age of my oldest, which means she is (UGH!) young enough to be my daughter. In fact I count her mother as a friend with opportunity for growth. So I had never looked at Phoebe as a potential friend. I hardly knew her even. Until that fateful Sunday morning-what is it with me and Sunday mornings being revelationary? (Note: revelationary-Of, or relating to something that causes a revelation in oneself, or any given situation.)

I had recently begun teaching the Pre-K crowd at our church here in Louisiana-I had one Sunday under my belt. I’ve been teaching Sunday School to kids for ages, so I wasn’t stressed. I have a routine and nothing gets me stressed-they’re just kids! But then Rachel walked into my room and I became stressed.

I had not asked for a co-teacher so I was surprised when Phoebe told me she’d been assigned to work with me. I was a little irritated-I’m a seasoned teacher so why would I need a helper? So interesting that this “helper” would be the best help I never knew I needed.

As RachelPhoebe and I begun to get to know each other, I was amazed at how much we have in common. We both love the TV show “Friends”, we both are kind of nerdy but in a cool way (or in our minds anyway). We are laid back and don’t stress easily. Phoebe just graduated college and was beginning her master’s degree so we could talk college and careers. As our connections deepened I quickly felt that I’d known her for a long time. I constantly forgot that she was so young.

Our church hired Phoebe to be our children’s coordinator, which fits perfectly with her master’s degree in Children’s Ministry that will begin soon. I of course have lots of opinions and ideas for our Children’s Ministry, and Phoebe is always receptive to suggestions. We have been collaborating this week on our upcoming Trunk or Treat event, which has been pure joy. And in just a few short days I will be in Phoebe’s six week class to learn how to play the ukulele. I will keep you posted on that!

I’m so thankful God has put this delightful young lady in my life, and I am grateful that I kept my heart open to new friends. I would have missed out on so much if I’d discounted her friendship in any way. I am so glad God showed me that there is always room for one more.

I think there is a lesson to be learned in everything. I am so glad I’ve learned there is always room for one more friend in my life, and that friends come in all shapes and sizes.

Please comment and let me know your unlikely friend stories.