surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses

a special reminder of my friend, Michele

I've become very aware of how much time it takes to keep up with relationships-the people in my life. I am so grateful for the amazing people who have been in my life...some I don't connect to all that often and then, there are those who schedule time with me regularly.

So many things have changed in my life in the last 5 months. Not seeing people at church events has opened my eyes to how much of my socialization took place there.  It has been a big shift in my friendship action plan.

Do you have a friendship action plan? You decide to be proactive and schedule time with your friends. It's natural to do this. See, I don't live in a neighborhood where my kids are friends with my friend's kids and then moms will sit and drink coffee during play dates. I don't have kids. I have to make my own play dates, I guess play dates are my friendship action plan.

I got to hang with three different ladies this week. I scheduled time with each of them about a month ago. Leslie and I spent one morning working on art. Beth made me homemade coffee cake when I dropped by one morning.  Michele spent a couple hours coaching me through some life vision plan. Next week I have a lunch scheduled with Sharon and I'm sure we will laugh a ton because we can.

I have spent so much intentional time with my friends these months; I'm so grateful to all of you fabulous friends. I'm looking forward to spending time with others I haven't been able to schedule time with yet.

Spending time with people isn't always easy...but it is worth it!!

Hebrews 12:1-Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Chapter 11 is referred as the Hall of Faith-God sightings for all the Old Testament characters.  This is the reference to the witnesses...but I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses today...my friends. We tell of the amazing life God has allowed us to live and encourage each other through our friendships.

Make sure you have your calendar handy the next time you leave the house so you can schedule your friendship action plan. You'll be glad you did!