octolilly [through the years]

Charity cannot keep a secret. We were shopping at April Cornell awhile back when I found the cutest table runner. It was black velour with red poppies embroidered along the ends. We both marveled at the low price and I admired it for several minutes before dashing to buy it. After we got home and began looking through our purchases, I pulled out the table runner again. I wrapped it around my neck like a scarf just to be funny- when we both realized it was a really good-looking scarf.

So, it became a scarf instead of a table runner. I swore her to secrecy and I’ve worn it on several occasions since then. Tonight I grabbed it while I was running out the door to church. As I found my seat at church tonight I saw Charity look at my scarf and smirk. She’s my best friend…but she’s also a feisty sneak. (I can say that because she doesn’t read my blog…hehehe)

After church tonight, everyone was doing their regular mingling-and-chatting-about-the-latest-news when I heard someone say that they loved my scarf. They weren’t speaking to me so I pretended not to hear them. That’s when Charity whispered quite loudly, “Oh, that’s really a table runner.”

I tried to explain but everyone was laughing too hard. It’s really a pretty table runner and if you saw me on the street- honest, you wouldn’t know the difference.

Do you know what it feels like to have someone in your life that you are used to talking to throughout the day? I have several friends like that and I’m quite thankful that God has given me such blessings. Each of us goes through exceptionally hard times and we often need to hide away just to gather out thoughts again. Some of you have been there no matter my fussing and ranting. I pray that God will bless you richly for your faithfulness and heartfelt concern. Occasionally seasons of our lives fall upon us that make absolutely no sense. I posted about the desire to run earlier…and that is often our genuine reaction. I’m indebted to those who have stuck it out with me.

One specific friendship felt richer than gold, brighter than the rising sun and more refreshing than cold water on a scorching day. And then suddenly without any warning this person just walked away. You would think there would be warning signs. There were none. One day all was well and the next…everything was over. There were news reports of a plane crash in a neighborhood of this person’s town…I was unnecessarily frantic. My phone calls have been ignored, emails ignored…etc. I haven’t heard anything from them. Days have went by. Nothing. I see evidence of this person being online all over the place, commenting on other sites, writing, etc. However, they have chosen to simply leave my life. I’m to the point now where I have buried any promises previously made. No longer will I be vulnerable.