My Senior year of college at Kansas State University I met the Freshman girlfriend of a friend of mine. We were all from the same part of Southwest Kansas, yet each from different towns. While I had a great social scene and lots of friends, this “new” girl and I just clicked. From that first meeting we have been pretty much inseparable. (And yes, in the spirit of truth, I’m pretty sure our introduction was at Last Chance or some other Aggieville hang out and no, I don’t think we were drinking cokes. Much more has changed than our hairstyles! Wait! Did we meet at the Jalapeno Festival?)
In our 16-year-old friendship, BeGe and I have seen each other through some pretty rough times. Admittedly, I have had a much easier go of it than she has, but that is her story and for another time. You will learn much more about BeGe in the posts to come, but for now, suffice it to say that few have endured the heartache that she has, and even fewer have come through with the sweet aroma of God’s love, mercy and enduring grace.
Right now, it is 10:17 p.m. and we just got off the phone. Counting back, it is at least the third or fourth time we have talked today (we live in neighboring states, just three hours apart). Some of our conversations are just about the mundane-whatever-kind-of-stuff, some about our kids and the funny and the frustrating things they do. Having someone to just share that day-to-day stuff, who is in the same “place” in life I am, is one of the most valuable gifts God has given me.
And then there are the conversations about the rubber-meets-the-road kind of issues. It is in those phone calls that the God-friend really comes through. When I am frustrated to the point of defeat, disappointed to the point of depletion, discouraged to the point of concession, or weary to the point of submission, she points me back. Back to the truth, to my true identity and the One who supplies my every need. Back to the promises that renew my hope and refuel my purposes.
That is a God-given friend. She always speaks the truth to me in love, never condemning but never excusing, either. She knows the good, the bad and the ugly, and yet she still sees the Jesus in me and trusts it even when I don’t.
And there are other BeGe’s in my life. You all know who you are. I just hope I am a BeGe to others out there. If I’ve failed you before … give me another chance!
“Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself. (Luke 12:29)
La Vie Abondante 
Britt said,
May 15, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Youuuuuu! I’m crying!
kathleen olmstead said,
May 16, 2008 at 11:04 am
Finally, a morning to catch up with you. The impetus came from 2 women who thought I might be the “Kath” responder, but nay, I’m just now in the loop. As I read thru your mental meanderings, I’m appreciative of your every effort to connect with God’s always abundant affection…we use all the words, blessings, peace, healing and oh my, how we do need his hand. But I love that you steer toward his heart. Your leadership is good. As to the baby pooper situation, prayers for your sleep to be doubly beneficial, and really, I’m with you, what an opportunity for humor that is better spoken than written…:)
Shirley said,
May 16, 2008 at 10:27 pm
YES! You ARE a BeGe to others! You certainly have been for me…although I didn’t first MEET you in Aggieville…there is certainly a PLACE in Aggieville where we became friends…about a three hour lunch in Rock-a-Belly Deli if I remember right!!! God certainly had his hand in THAT meeting…we were at such different places in our lives but at the same time had so much in common…wierd to think that was 12 years ago and you’re now in that stage of life that I was in then…with young children! I remember you explaining to the group we were with how I was going up to my hotel room to savor some “alone” time…I KNOW you can now truly relate to that need!