Encouragement

I’ve never been one to have a best friend. I even feel funny calling Frank my best friend (probably after reading Committed…) My friends fill different needs in my life – some offer encouragement in my faith journey, others are practical problem-solvers, others joined me in motherhood and offer grace and encouragement during this season.

One of my friends, Robyn and I have known each other since our freshman year of high school. We went to different colleges but both ended up back in Denver. Years ago (5 or 7 maybe?) we started walking once a week after work. The parks have changed over the years and there have been a few breaks – holidays, the month after Bea was born, but we have remained consistent. We even trained for a 5k run together. (And I was firmly reminded that I’m not a fan of running.)

Robyn is an amazing encouragement. During our 2-3 mile walk, we talk about everything. We process, we vent, sometimes we problem-solve, but mostly the other listens. It’s so encouraging to be with a friend who has the gift of listening. What an encouragement! To let the other simply be with her processing.

Now that tax season is approaching, Frank and I have been talking about our schedule. I’m part of 2 monthly book clubs, a weekly book club, and my weekly walk with Robyn. When thinking about things to cut back on during this busy time, I can’t imagine foregoing the encouragement they all offer, but especially those walks – that time of doing life with a friend is such an encouragement.

Linked with Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday, a time to sit and write without editing for 5 minutes.