Six years ago, I led a women's Bible study at my church for career women.  In spite of the fact that we span about 12 years in our ages (I am the baby of the group, lol) and are all at different stages of life (some of us are married, single, have kids, don't have kids), we all got along so well that we decided to periodically get together to catch up and connect over dinner or baking days or things of that nature.  We don't need to see each other or talk to each other every week (although some times we do), so we don't feel bad or feel slighted or get angry if we are busy.  We just enjoy getting together when we can (and we almost always close down the Thai restaurant that we like to go to because we gab and laugh...especially when I walk through the front door of the restaurant and see this randomnity:

...and encourage each other for so long and so late).  I don't need to tell you how dear these women are to me.  We have such a sweet time together and each time I leave, I feel like my soul has been fed and encouraged.  And, without a doubt, I know that everyone else feels the same.

Last night I was reminded as to exactly how much we had been through together when one of the ladies said, "Kirsten, I'm reading this book called Visioneering by Andy Stanley, and I have thought of you through so much of the book."

"In a good way?" I questioned with a smile.

"Yes, yes," she said, "I just remember when we first met you and you said that your dream was to own a Christian dance studio, and now here you are, doing it!"

Six years ago, when the dance studio was just a whisper--a dream in my heart--that I could not even fathom, these ladies knew about it and encouraged me through it.  It dawned on me that they have been through so much of it with me through their prayers and encouragement and support.  Carri's daughter takes classes there, Chris is my accountant, Karen is such an encourager and prayer warrior, and Kristen and Michele have run concessions and been room mothers and hostesses throughout the years of recitals and events.  They all have the hearts of servants and encouragers and cheerleaders.  And then, as I reflected on it even more, I was (and am) so thankful because as women we are really not meant to walk this journey alone. 

God is so faithful to give us meaningful friendships.  How about you?  Do you have a special group of girlfriends?