Finding My Bosom Friend

"Marilla," she demanded presently, "do you think that I shall ever have a bosom friend in Avonlea?


"A--what kind of friend?"


"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul.  I've dreamed of meeting her all my life.  I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true all at once that perhaps this one will, too.  do you think it's possible?"

---Anne of  Green Gables

Much like Anne, I have often prayed for a bosom friend.  I remember feeling very lonely through out my teen years and young adult life.  As I reflect now and think about the friends that have touched my life, I have had many "bosom friends" along the way.  Each giving something to me that no one else could.  Each being in my life at just the right time.


I think we all have ideas of how we think our life should go and when it doesn't turn out like we thought it would, we tend to focus on the negative, at least I do.  I try and pray for God's will but usually include a "if you can make it happen my way that would be great!"  When things don't turn out the way I think they should or the way I imagined them to be then I tend to sink into my self pity state of why me? or why not me? not considering that the result of what I got was how God wanted it to be and therefore what was best for me.  In this post I'll share with you a few examples of the bosom friends God has given to me on my faith journey and finding my greatest bosom friend of all.  


As I mentioned in my previous post, my family's move to Brownsville, TX was a life altering cross road for me.  My immediate feelings of Brownsville are negative, but when I take time to think of my time there, it wasn't all bad.    I went to three high schools in 4 years.  (1 in Oklahoma and 2 in Texas)  My junior year of high school I met Jennifer and Randy.  I can't thank God enough for those two people.  They made life bearable.  While my faith in God has always been a constant in my life, my life choices have not always been good ones.  I was a typical teenager trying to figure life out, making many poor choices along the way.  Jennifer and Randy helped me to persevere in the midst of my struggles.  I thank God for them.


After I graduated from high school, I left Texas and moved to Indiana.  I eventually lost touch with both Jennifer and Randy but each played a part in my journey and were in my life when I needed them to be.  


Just like Brownsville, I often remember feeling lonely during my college years, feeling as if, I didn't really connect strongly with anyone.  Failing to see, appreciate, and remember what was right in front of me.  Yes I had friends, but did I have a bosom friend?   LOTS!  The ones that stick out to me the most, were Ann, Heather, Todd, Scott, Becky, Mark and Denise; My friendships with these folks was not always what I thought it should be, but they were there for me when I needed them, when it counted, each in their own way. Thank you!


After college I returned home to Oklahoma.  I had lost touch with all my childhood friends so basically had to start over in the friend department.  Soon after returning home I met a young couple walking their dog.  They wanted to introduce their dog to my dog.  They seemed very nice.  I thought to myself "how do I let them know I need friends without sounding desperate?"  I simply mentioned that I had just returned home from college and didn't know many people.  They were quick to invite me to play volleyball with the singles group at the church where they worshiped.  I jumped at the chance.    


I made many dear friends who I consider to be my friends to this day.  Did I find a bosom friend?  YES!  AGAIN, it wasn't what I had planned, but God knows best and gave me the exact friends that I needed at the exact time that I needed them.  


During this time of my life I began to not only think of every day friends but of life partners as well.  I'll never forget the day I sat in church with the other singles of the congregation, the boys sitting in front of the girls.  I went down the row and considered privately which of the boys I would consider dating and which boys I wouldn't.  I recall one boy in particular that I was very adamant about not dating.  I considered this boy to be arrogant and conceded.  I wanted nothing to do with him! Not what I had in mind at all for a life partner.  God had other plans.  Without telling you the whole story, I eventually DID go out with that boy, fell in love and got married.  

1995- A little younger and a little skinnier

I often tell people, Michael saved me from myself.  The poor choices I began to make as a teenager continued in college and I was on the verge of continuing those poor choices until Michael came along.  Michael, with all his conceded arrogance, was the best thing to happen to me. I had finally found my life long bosom friend.  Someone I could share my inner most thoughts with.  He wasn't the one I expected to share my life with, but again God's thoughts are higher then mine and he provides the exact best for us, in the exact time that we need it.


Michael and I will be married 17 years this year.  Those years have not all been rosy but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.  

Today-- A little fatter but a little wiser

Though out my life God has continued to provide me with the people that I need when I need them.  No, things have not always turned out as I had planned, and but they have always turned out just as God had planned.  My closest friends now are not the friends of my childhood and they may move out of my life in years to come, but they are what I need now in this time at this cross road, and whatever happens to them, I still have my "bosom friend", my husband, and until death parts us, he will be my constant companion.






To my other current bosom friends, you know who you are, thank you for your continued support and encouragement while I wait at my current cross road.  I thank God for you each and every day!