From Strangers To Friends

I have a friend I miss a great deal.  I think it was five years ago that we met at a Women's Bible study.  I didn't know any of the women there, I just wanted to attend a study and heard through a woman I spoke to about churches in the area that her church was having a study on Tuesday mornings.

The first week I attended with the woman who told me about the study but she wasn't going to be able to attend after the one time as she worked.  The second week I sat at the table nearest the door, I arrived early and sat where I could make a quick exit since I didn't know anyone.

The next week I was a few minutes late arriving and there were no more seats close to the door.  I'm sure you've done it, trying to be inconspicuous you try to tip-toe into the room, scanning for the nearest empty seat and the only seats are in the middle down in front.  Making my way down I grabbed the closest chair and tried to quietly set my stuff on the table, scoot my chair in and not draw any more attention to myself.  It didn't work, the teacher made a point of interrupting her opening remarks to welcome me.  I came to love that teacher, she had such a heart for the women who attended her classes, such compassion for each of us and a deep love for her Savior and the Word.

The women at the table where I was sitting were all veteran Bible study-goers and had a familiarity with one another as this wasn't their first study together.  I was the newbie, made to feel welcome but still felt like an outsider.  The leader had each of us write a praise or a prayer request on a slip of paper then pass it to our right.  My request went to a woman with a British accent on my right and I received the prayer request of a lady with short white hair and sparkling eyes.  She had the kindest smile and was so warm towards me that I felt at ease with her right away.

During the break we talked and shared information about ourselves, by the time the study was over that day I felt like I had made a new friend.  After that we sat together when ever possible and would go to lunch after the Bible study on a regular basis.  We talked about everything.  We prayed for one another and each others families.  

The day I told her that we were moving away she was so supportive and began praying right away for my husband and I to have safe travel, for him to find a job, for us to find a home.  But she also told me she wished we were staying.  

It's been three years since I moved away and we keep in touch by phone.  I've been back to visit her once and hope to visit her in the fall.  She is one of my dearest friends, someone who is eager to know what's happening in my life.  When we chat over the phone it's almost like the miles melt away and we are sharing our hearts with one another just as we did face to face. 

The friendship we share is special, she and I talk about how quickly God made us the closest of friends.  I'm so glad that I was running late and the closest seat that day was one next to her.  I don't believe in coincidences and I believe that God set in motion the events that would lead to our meeting that day.  

I just wanted to tell you about my friend Monte and encourage you to strike up a conversation the next time you are seated by a stranger.  You never know, they might just be a special gift from God to you.  A friend who shares your burdens and joys.  A friend for life.

I love you Monte!  You are a gift!