5.26.2009

Why Do We Still Say "Broken Record"? Why Not "Scratched CD"?

I had a great day with my girlfriends today.

We laughed. We spent money. We ate good food. We spent more money. We learned some things about each other that we didn't know. And we spent even more money.

And I got new flip flops.

Perfect day.

But as thankful as I was for my new dresses and beloved orange wedgey shoes, I was so grateful for just time spent with friends.

Go ahead and dig out your Turtle Wax so that you can rub down this broken record, because I know that I have said this exact same thing no less than eleventy hundred times, but I find myself wholly overwhelmed with the genuineness of God-blessed friendships.

I've had a lot of friends in my life. But I have a very, very short list of good friends that I've had. Friends that have accepted every piece of me. Bad haircuts, sticky kitchen floors, wild kids, bad cooking, ugly shoes, and untanned legs. A very, very short list.

And for the first time in a very long time (more like...EVER) I actually feel surrounded. Surrounded by women that would have my back in a second. That are willing to tell me that I need to get my rear end on a treadmill, that I need to eat artichoke hearts and brussel sprouts for dinner, and that a dress "doesn't do me justice" (which is code for "Not happening, sister. Take it off pronto.").

Sometimes I feel like I don't do my friends justice. That I in no way deserve their time, energy, and love. I can spend hours upon hours second-guessing myself and over-analyzing my flaws. I allow doubt and shame to plague my thoughts and wonder when my oh-so-sweet bubble is going to burst.

And then I remember that my Jesus is the answerer of prayer.

And that He heard me when I was on my knees begging for women like Him to come into my life.

And then I fall on my knees again thanking Him for good gifts.

Gifts totally undeserved.


Here's a huge shout-out to 2 of those gifts, S and J!!! Had a great time today, girls! MUAH! Heart y'all to crazy pieces.

16 comments:

Jim said...

Amb,
Sometimes you remind me of the character from the book I used to read to you and Mich when you were about 4 and 5 years old. You remember "Hinds' Feet on High Places" and Ms Much Afraid? She wanted to go, was eager to go to the high places in the kingdom of love where "perfect love casts out fear" but her helpers in the climb were named Sorrow and Suffering. She found them strong hands in climbing to the heights, and grew to appreciate and take joy in their presence, even though it was often a hard journey. Then along the way, every so often she would build an altar and offering another part of her fear, and claim a remembrance from the event. Slowly, she made the climb, though crippled by her fears at times, but when she arrived, she had been remade whole and given the name Grace and Glory, along with Hind's feet (Deer) to climb quickly up and down the mountain at will.

Amb, your experiences have given you confidence and affirmation, for your companions have bben Sorrow and Suffering, too. And though you, still retain a little of Much Afraid's apprehensions, I can see Grace and Glory more and more. You have a good spirit, compassion and love, and the willingness to share hope and happiness with other travelers on the way. No wonder they enjoy your company.

Keep Climbing,
Your Fellow Climber,
Jim-Dad

lisa@littlesliceoflife said...

Sounds blissful! I'm jealous.

*wistful sigh*

Stephanie @ My Answered Prayer said...

I'm the one that doesn't deserve a friend like you....Scratched CD...Had a wonderful time and you're going to look like hot mama!!!! There not going to know what to do with us when we walk through the door....HAHA!

Mich said...

Happy for you and all your wonderful purchases today...I enjoyed talking to you today!

Sorry I made you cry...should I put warning labels on my blog on the "deep" days?

I am so glad God has given you great friends to be there for you when I can't. Love ya!

Jennifer said...

So... I could go on and on (like a "broken record" about what your recent friendship has meant to me!!
God seems to send us "gifts" just when we need them and you, my dear, are one of those gifts!! (And Steph, and Fellowship!!)

I had a BLAST today and can't wait to do it again!!

And don't forget...I'm you "pritty" friend!! LOL!!

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

I'm so happy for you! I know and love some of your best friends too! Makes me miss you guys even more.

Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean about feeling overwhelmed with amazing friendships. I would have been happy with just one really good friend. But isn't that like God to give us more than we ask?

By the way, this may be my favorite blog post title you've ever written. I give it a 10 and a rose.

Elizabeth said...

I feel this way lately too. I have some precious real-life friends who I love and who love me. And these blog friends are incredible too. They just meet the same need in a different way. We don't deserve these friendships sometimes, but God is so gracious to give them to us. I thank Him everyday.

Becky said...

Steph is a great friend! I've gotten to experience first hand her accepting me for exactly who I am...ugly worts and all! Glad you are such good friends!

Cathy said...

Well ya'll are just making me all weepy and stuff...

What a blessing God has given you in each other! I've said those exact prayers...

Oh and your Dad is a sweety...and I think I need to reread that book. It's been YEARS.

Carpool Queen said...

Friends that "have your back" are the best kind - it gives me such confidence to go and conquer knowing that they're there to tell me take a bigger sword or not wear gladiator sandals while I do it.

Lindsay said...

Amber... Since I'm new to your blog, your words or the way you put them together are new as well.

So refreshing to be among special folks in your life.

Unknown said...

I have a few great friends and I love that....friends really do make life awesome!! I'm glad that you have some great friends to do life with....
...who knows? maybe some day, we'll get a chance to meet & be friends ;)

Christi @ Writing the Waves said...

Nothing like some great friends,and some great shopping to make a girl feel like a million bucks! Glad that you have such sweet friends to share those good times with!

Cathy said...

just realized I spelled "sweetie" wrong...oh well it won't be my first spelling or grammatical error and it won't be my last, I'm sure...

...I think a PDDP would make me feel better though:)

really.truly said...

I so agree! I've had plenty of friends who have not had my back...which makes me appreciate those true blue ones even more. It's a good, safe feeling having unconditional friendships! I feel you girl!