Lean on me.

In this season of life, I have been going through some personally, and emotionally difficult situations. There is a really important relationship in my life that has been facing a lot of tests and trials lately to see what it is that God wants to come from that relationship. Without giving away too much for the world of bloggers to see, because I do respect this person very much, I have to say that this season has been very stretching, and I have had to make a lot of sacrifices, and changes.
Although this relationship isn't the only area that I am being stretched in, I strongly believe that God uses those closest to us to help in His work of molding us and breaking us down, also encouraging us and building us up, etc. God knows how much we thrive from relationships, therefore that is the area that he really reaches out and tries to minister to us through situations and people. Maybe this is just me, but it is my hope that some of you can resonate with that concept.
With that said, being the emotional and vulnerable person that I am, many of the people I interact with on a regular basis see that I am going through some really stretching experiences, and I have to say that I have the most amazing support system of people that love me...I am so blessed.
Whether it's one of my best friends from high school (Emmy, Moo Moo, and Kritty) or my dear significant other Julie, or my bible study group, my BEAUTIFUL roomy Rach, my loyal sister, my best friend and mom, my stable dad, slwc, brian, nate, douglas, Zach (my long lost twin), eric, virginia, etc.... All of these people have been there for me...to lean on when i struggle.
sometimes it's a huge life issue, and other times it's deciding whether or not i am going to the maxim party VIP (yea, i still am questioning that decision)...but the point is...this group of people put themselves aside for me on a regular basis, and continually speak truth in my life.
So often in my journals, or my prayers I am thanking God continually for the people he has provided in my life, and it wasn't until today that it occured to me that I should share my praise with the world (or the hand full of you that read this, but let me dream big, ok?!?).
The event that took place today that made me want to share my thankfulness with everyone was something that one of my high school small group girls did. Now my small group is pretty much the best group SLWC has ever seen (i am a bit bias), but seriously, they are amazing, beautiful blessings in my life. Honestly, these girls think that I am investing in them, and giving my time...no, i think they have it backwards...they impact me so much more than I could ever impact them. They are the most caring, fun loving, considerate group of young women I have ever met; i am inspired by them, and so impressed because they are stronger than I ever was at their age.
Today, one of my girls sent me an email. We communicate often through email, but normally just general or misc. information. Today, the email said that she had been thinking of me, knowing that today was kinda rough for me, and the rest of the email was filled with X's and O's of all different sizes...giving me hugs and KISSES to tell me that she cared. Now this girl probably did it without even thinking because that is her nature, but I have to say this so that she knows, THAT EMAIL IMPACTED ME IN SUCH A DEEP WAY. It brought me to tears, and made everything else seem so irrelevant. Every time I've felt discouraged about ministry has just vanished...that email was more than enough to fill me up for a very long time.
Thank you to this very special individual. Just know that the small things that you do can change someone's life, as you did mine today.
I love you so much, all of you, and just want to encourage you to be thankful for the precious people God has provided you with, for He has a purpose for everything.

Good night. and thanks for listening.