A Gentle Breeze from that Beach :)

So I have a new friend.

I must admit that I am super excited about this new friendship. She is a bit older than I am ... a mother, a teacher, a giver of godly wisdom and encouragement, genuine love and care, and ... a beach. Yep, a beach. Ha! That term, "beach," comes from one of her own blogs. For those who haven't read that post, she was basically reminding herself (and all those who read) that as women (even people in general), we need to beaches. One description of a beach that stands out from her post is that beaches bring gentle breezes. If you've ever had someone in your life who is a gentle breeze, you won't be confused by that term "beach." But for those who lack breezes, let me share with ya a little something about my new friend.

I haven't known her too long. I've known her sons for a few years, and yeah ... I guess I probably knew who she was during that time, but not really. But anyways ... recently, I have had joy in getting to know her a little better. I have found that she is one of the few people in my life who, although I haven't known her all that long, has become a cherished friend. Ya know what I'm talkin' about? Those people whom ya just have a close bond with right away ... after a couple of short conversations ... after a few brief times of seeing each other. It's kind of like a gentle breeze from that beach. A breeze comes and goes, and yet it is refreshing and sweet. On a hot day, that breeze feels amazing! I've had some "hot" days lately (days full of confusion and hurt and longing) ... but God has been bringing gentle breezes to refresh and comfort me. And my new friend is one of those gentle breezes. She has been there with godly encouragement, prayer, and support. Most of our conversations and meetings have been brief but oh, so cherished. :)

A couple of weeks ago, I was REALLY hurting! That weekend, I found out about a few big things that would change the course of my life's direction completely, and I was confused, hurt, emotional(!), and almost bitter. I and some of my friends decided to head for the tennis courts to enjoy the beautiful Sunday afternoon. I went. I shouldn't have. But I went. I was close to tears the entire day. My new friend was there; she came to watch her sons play. As I sat down next to her on the bleachers, she saw my pain ... even though I tried to hide it. She talked of God's faithfulness and how it never fails, and she gently rubbed my back. It was a small thing. But it was coming from someone I don't know very well, someone with whom I've had maybe half a dozen conversations with. It was a brush from that gentle breeze from the beach. She cared; she loved; she reminded me that God is faithful and that I am loved.

Do you have gentle breezes in your life? Thank God for them, and let them know they are loved!


... Oh, and my new friend is Judy Nilsen. :D