Friends.
For many of us, our lives have been greatly enriched by friends. Sometimes our friendships are only for a season… high school, college, marriage, new parents. That’s not always a bad thing. Many times, these “seasonal” friendships are just what we needed in our life at that specific point in time. Our lives are enriched by such friendships and in return, we hope we have enriched the lives of others.
However, there are those rare instances when friends come into your life at the beginning of a season and stay. Growing, enduring… season after season.
My life has been blessed by such a group of friends. We call ourselves the “Tea Group”. We have been a part of each other’s lives for more than twenty years. (My sister, Julie, grafted me into the group!) Our season of friendship began as 5 young teachers and a principal. Since then, we have shared in seasons of joy, such as marriage and having children… to seasons of sorrow, grieving the loss of loved ones.
Our Tea Group strives to gather once a month in each other’s homes. Each gathering is filled with anticipation, for we know upon arriving, we will be greeted with open arms and delightful surprises. Every thoughtful detail speaks of the love and appreciation we have for each other. As the night unfolds, we take turns sharing everything from the recent events of our lives to current educational concerns and problems (and how we have all the answers to solve them!) The conversation is always engaging and uplifting. Our evenings predictably go longer than expected and even our husbands have learned over the years not to ask when to expect us home!
Yesterday, our Tea Group met at my sister’s home. We had so much to talk about, for in the past two months, we had two of our daughters get married (one being mine!) a son graduate (mine too!), as well as other important events. From the delicious food to the whimsical decor… every detail was amazing! However, I think the greatest treasure of the afternoon was having the two newly married daughters join our Tea Group!
We can only hope that all of our daughters will find a few treasured friends to share in their seasons of life!
The Tea Group: Julie, Judy, Beth, Karen, Karen and me!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
{If you are new to my blog, click here to read the story behind My Personal Challenge: think four:eight.}
Oh, Jennifer…. tears of joy and appreciation, again, are streaming down my face! Your photos captured the details that make our gatherings so special but your words captured our hearts and our love for each other! What a blessing you are to me as a sister and to our tea group as a friend and events of life story teller. Where else would we hear about trips on a yacht or helicopter rides in Alaska!! Thank you for sharing our story!!
PS Can I print this or save this.. I’d love to have this framed!
I love that we have now moved up to being able to join the tea group, rather than having to find something to do with the dads while moms were having all the fun! My husband has quickly learned not to ask when I will be home from the tea group!
Jennifer, your words flow with such grace and praise. The photos are exquisite!!! You captured just what the group has meant to one another and the transitions of life’s seasons that we have endured. Thank you for sharing not only the entry but all the photographs. Your eye is especially designed for professional photography and we are forever grateful to have your personality and talents in our group. Bless you!
Beth
Thank you so much Julie, Emily & Beth! Your kind words mean so much! I am very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful friends!