New path, old friend

An old friend of Heather's is getting married tonight ~

What precious thoughts that provokes: singing practice on the way to the Christmas play. Meals on wheels. Camping with 103 temp and not telling me because she didn't want to have to leave. Jr. High Camp in the mountains. Getting ready for Bible College in England. It strikes me that this child / woman has been a part of our lives since we joined our church. Her family was one of the first to bring us a meal when I was very ill. Her mom knowingly brought her children when delivering the meal, knowing that I had a daughter who was probably bored and scared. Her mom helped me feel welcome my first time at Women's Retreat. This young lady was always a phone-call away when Heather needed a companion, even if they hadn't spoken for quite some time. She always felt like a welcome addition, even more, a family member. Much like a cousin that lives not too far away and just makes themselves at home whenever they show up. I have loved watching her grow, mature, find her callings, make mistakes and learn from them, become a young woman. She is truly precious to me.

I love her choice (actually, God's choice for her) for a mate. He's a great guy, totally suited to her personality. As she is suited to his. I love most that God had a plan for her - and kept her on that path to bring her to this place of joy. She could have turned aside. Settled for less than God's best for her. She certainly had opportunities. She chose the hard part - said no to the easy and kept her eyes fixed on Jesus.

I look forward to tonight - the culmination of a dream and the beginning of a new lifestyle.

I look forward to the day I will celebrate God's choices for my daughters. Until then, I celebrate the marriages of her best friends. The ones who chose to travel the path with her, and continue in the paths chosen for them.

What a great God!