Who do you want to be?

This past week, our friend, Danielle, and her daughter, Leicea, came to visit us in Charleston. Ok so they may have mostly come to be a part of our first church service, but they ALSO came to visit us. J

Friday morning Danielle and I did something crazy. We got up SUPER early to go to coffee and have a “just us” date. Since moving here, I’ve gotten good at not waking up very early- so this was a big deal for me. Call me a sleep snob, but I like my 8 hours now.  

I’m glad we went, though, because that morning helped me to realize a couple things. Living in Charleston and away from my many Fort Wayne friends has its lonely spots. I have wonderful people in my life here, but it’s different than having the kind of close friendships I had back home. Maybe part of that is my fault for not pursuing those kinds of friendships here… but that’s for another blog post. Either way, what I realized was that I had been missing those early morning coffee + friend heart to heart talks. The ones that reach deep inside and scoop out all the thoughts and passions in your heart that you easily overlook or leave unmentioned. And that afterward leave you seeing more clearly and feeling more encouraged to step forward or be brave in some way. You know those talks, right?  

So, anyway, as I was enjoying my old-fashioned donut and Americano, Danielle and I talked about who it is we want to be… Women of character, wives who love well and without restraint, friends who truly care, a mother (and future mother) who train and love their children with intention, etc. We discussed the things in our lives that hold us back from becoming this woman- the emotional and spiritual struggles we face and desire to mature and grow in. We decided that this conversation was one that we wanted to have over and over again and that we wanted to encourage each other and grow in these areas together.

It all sounds very pretty and exciting, right? But to be honest I know we’re both a little scared to make goals and walk forward- because it’s so natural to fear failing or not measuring up. But then, what hope do we have if we don’t look ahead and strive for some place further than we’ve already reached? Surely we will aim and miss at times, but I’d rather be aiming at something than at nothing. And having a friend and accountability makes it that much better.

I’m hopeful and expectant for what this next season holds for Danielle and I. I’m sure I’ll be writing more in the future about our ideas and brainstorms about how we want to pursue this- as well as, I’m sure, our setbacks and struggles and triumphs and everything else!