What a journey the last week has been…..packing our Kentucky condo…..the loading of the truck…..two days of travel as we crossed the miles…..unloading the truck in South Carolina. It was truly a journey; the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.
I was so fortunate to have several girlfriends join me for “packing parties”. We started out very organized as we packed my and Jimmy’s Kentucky life into boxes…..glassware first, then dishes, then entertaining pieces, but soon we were in a sea of boxes and chaos. Laughing as we found ourselves literally “boxed in” our small dining area. All the while, the conversation flowed as we jumped from topic to topic, catching up on each other’s lives, and solving the world’s problems (lol). Like always, when we are together, the time flew by.
As we worked, each item was carefully enveloped in bubble wrap for protection. The items were gently placed into boxes…..just so…..snug but not too snug. The boxes were then closed and sealed shut with packing tape to endure the journey. The final touch was a tag added to each box indicating the contents that were enclosed.
While we were making the drive, my mind recalled our “packing parties”. The picture that appeared to me was the occasion when multiple hands were in a box at the same time. Perhaps we were attempting to secure lamps tucked in among pillows or cushion lampshades with padding…..my hands along with the hands of one or two friends…..working together.
Could it be that while we were securing mere items, we were also striving to secure our time and memories together? Carefully wrapping all we had shared through the years…..long conversations, laughter, walks, tears, trivia nights, serving together, prayers…..placing them gently in our hearts just so. Longing to seal tight our memories so they will endure the journey. If a tag were to be placed labeling the contents perhaps it would read…..treasured friendships or precious memories.
I imagine when unpacking in South Carolina, slicing open the tape and lifting the flaps on our moving boxes, the love and friendship that had been carefully sealed inside will literally explode and overflow from the packaging. The warmth will flood into our new home and remain a constant and sweet reminder.
What a beautiful blessing friendship can be! Each one unique and treasured. Each one designed and placed in our lives just when we need it the most. Each one a gift from God. Each one a “pearl” added to the strand of our life.
Thank you, Father, for the wonderful friends You have placed in my life! In every season…..in every location…..in every situation…..I have been blessed with beautiful friendships. What a gracious and perfect gift! May I always be mindful and strive to be the “pearl” that is needed along another’s path.
A friend loveth at all times – Proverbs 17:17
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ – Galatians 6:2
