Bridesmaids

I've been thinking a whole lot about the 6 marvelous ladies that are going to be in my wedding in September. The more I thought about them, the more and more grateful I became for them and the HUGE roles they've each played in my life and how different each of those friendships are.
Do you see where I'm going here? Yeah, this is a little on the long side... consider yourself warned.

It seems only fair to start with the gal I've known the longest, the one who didn't have a choice when it came to being my bud since she's my little sister. I've gotta say, Kelsey and I haven't always been super close. Yes, we went through that whole my-sister-bugs-me-solely-because-she's-my-sister phase and although thatphase was a rocky one we came out pretty good friends on the other side. Good enough friends that we even chose to live with each other after moving out of our parents house. It's good stuff this sister-ship.

I think my buddy, Amy, probably wins as being part of my longest and most consistent friendship. We've hit our decade mark, she and I. Before we know it, we'll have been friends for more than half our lives... yeah, it's that kind of bond. The one that makes me think, "we probably are actually sisters and things just got messed up at the hospital." Amy has seriously been by my side for the biggest highs and lows of my life thus far. I can honestly say that there have been times that I don't know what I would have done without her. This is true of all the girls mentioned here, but I think Amy has probably seen the worst and most terrible parts of my character and chosen to be my friend in spite of those things. We joke that we're like wives, but that whole for better or worse part definitely rings true for us.

This girl I've probably known the longest, but we haven't always been close. Suzy and I have a picture of us at my 7th or 8th birthday party (our parents were good friends which is the only reason we saw each other back in the day) and it's one of the most hilarious photos you'll ever see. There is only a smidge of courteous shown on our faces while we are more awkward and wondering who the other one is and why we're invited to each other's birthdays. BUT once high school was upon up and with a little help from our mutually shared sarcasm, she easily and quickly became one of my best friends. She is another friend who has seen me at some of my worst moments and on top of that supported me through just about everything while being brutally honest when I probably needed it the most.

Becca is my "me too" friend. Since early in high school, just about every struggle and hardship that we shared with one another often left us saying, "me too!" to each other. While we may not be sharing the same struggles at the same time anymore, more often than not we are now saying "I know what you mean, I've been there." Being able to hear a similar story and the ways in which the Lord has worked in her life is an answer to prayer, a tangible way that the Lord shows me His provision and saving grace. Her heart to serve the Lord and others above all else is a challenge and an encouragement to me every time we talk. Coffee talks and a lot of laughing have solidified my friendship with this sweet girl over the last 7 years, and I'm so so grateful for her.

She's my counterpart, you know. And with that nickname bestowed upon us we became friends, thanks to Amy. Although we haven't known each other as long, she turned out to be one of those friends that I felt like I could share anything with almost instantly and had known most of my life. I've never met someone with such a hilariously sarcastic sense of humor and such a soft heart. Not only is she one of my closest friends, but I look up to her and respect her in so many ways. She may not even know it, but she is constantly challenging me in walk with the Lord and holding me accountable in so many things. Having a few similar challenges in our lives and knowing that those challenges are shared with a sister in Christ is one of the things about our friendship I'm most grateful for.

Lastly, but certainly not least, is my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Colleen. Ok, so technically she's Daniel's sister-in-law but I'm going to claim her as my own. She's hilarious. One of the most outgoing people I've ever met, and let me tell ya that was perfect when I was just getting to know his whole family. She has been amazing over the last 3ish years in welcoming into the Medina family and making me feel comfortable, and even more so in becoming one of my close friends. Once she knew I was there to stay, she gave me in-law advice and understanding encouragement while I tried (and continue to try) to figure out how to be part of a new family. I'm so over the top glad that she is willing to share with me and be part of my life as new sister and friend.

I don't know if any of them will ever read this, but I love each of you dearly. You have been with me and there for me through every season of my life and I know that the Lord specifically placed each of you in my life to get me through the hardest times and to make the good times that much better.

I warned you this post was going be a pretty long (and yes, I recognize that three of the six pictures are from the same day), but I wanted to write down and remember how important each one of these women are to me and the different friendships I have with them. Although, the shaping friendships in my life are not limited to just these girls, they certainly are good examples of the weight and importance that friendship carry.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down his friend can help him up. But pity the man that falls and has no one to help him up."
Ecc. 4:9-10