Rainy Day Trip to Oak Mountain

My best friend Hannah (commonly known as Ms. Bananas 'round these parts) and I have a standing, rainy, Sunday church date. If we're both in town, we're meeting up for early church. If we're meeting up, it will no doubt be raining. Rain is fine, but it's gotten to be a joke because for months now, if we get together, it will immediately start drizzling! A few Sundays ago, we decided to head out to Oak Mountain after church for a hike and roam around. I've been to Oak Mountain but it's been years. I was reminded of why it's such a popular place before we even entered the park. Incredibly beautiful. All of it. 

I simply love Hannah. Our friendship is so unique and rare... As are most all of my friendships here. What an incredible blessing. Hannah is a touch reserved at first. I love that about her. Unless you are a trusted friend, she is kind of a fascinating mystery. She has this interesting combination of personality characteristics. She's quiet/talkative, quippy/kind, hilarious, understanding,  thoughtful, artistic, bear huggy, outdoorsy, all-in, up for anything,  and barrels of fun. I image people who are THE MOST FUN EVER to be loud, hand-wavy, conversation-dominating, and hyper. The older I get (with my grey-hair and wisdom) I find that is not true. Hannah is the case and point for this. She's the most easy, fun loving person to be around ever.

Hannah and I both have had very emotional years. Both of our lives have stripped us down to our bear bones and left us to re-build. Both of us have found so much beauty in the re-birth of us. Sometimes is right to let your soul sit quietly and remember. But sometimes is right to celebrate in the new life that's emerging.

I believe that what's important is that you let the seasons of your life develop as God intends. Embrace what comes. Be fully present in it. Allow the emotions to be real and true. Even if that's sadness, it's okay to feel the sadness. Really, it is. But remember that God will bring this season full circle and on the other side there is JOY. He is the giver of all good things and if it takes hard seasons of life to prepare our lives to receive His goodness, then I absolutely welcome that. I know Hannah does too.

Because there is surely fullness of joy coming.....

I'm thankful for this friendship. This comfort that allows you to strip everything away. To take off your shoes and wade barefoot into the waters of life with each other. To plunge into the 'realness' of it all and be fully vulnerable with someone you trust completely. This is a glimpse of God, I think. He's daily, everlasting goodness taking form when you reach down and just naturally hold hands with someone you love dearly. 

Sometimes life is a rough, rock bottom river and it hurts to walk barefoot through it... but I sure am thankful there's a girl waiting, laughing with me, and holding her hand out for support!

We love you past the counting, Mrs. Bananas!