friends

I had a piece of duck cake this weekend. I was at a duck-themed baby shower for a friend named Dana. There was an adorable bright yellow cake that looked just like a duck...very cool.

On my way home I got to thinking. At the shower I was able to see friends I sometimes only see once or twice a year. As I drove home I realized that when I'm around my friends I don't think about what I do, or what I've achieved, or what others have done or achieved...save the occasions when we're celebrating or congratulating a friend. For the most part however, when we're together...we're just friends.

Friends on different journeys, separate adventures, who like each other, catch up, laugh...a lot, and enjoy each other.

I know this sounds like it's out of left field, but it's in the forefront of my mind as Brad and I prepare to make a big career move. We're not defined by what we do or where we live. We should be defined by whether or not our lives bring glory to God. I'm in a bible study with some ladies from my church and last week's lessons were about our purpose. As I looked back over the week I realized that there was not one lesson about how much we earn, or where we live, if our kids go to college, or if our cars are shiny and new. What I did see was "what you did unto the least of these..." and countless commands to die to our selves.

I'm grateful for friendships like the ones I have...whether I see them once a year, or once a month...I always just feel like a friend. I never worry about impressing them with stories of my adventures, successes, or latest purchases. I am myself, and they love me for it.