Many of my teen pondering sessions were used up on that bit of wisdom.
I was so incredibly shy and unsure of myself while growing up that I found that advice comical. I set goals each day as to the number of people to try to look in the eye and say hello to. I put down exclamation marks in my diary if someone actually responded. Yes, it was that bad.
What do adults think? That you just scan the crowd, find someone with perfect morals and a sense of humor that goes swimmingly with yours, then tap them on the shoulder and say, "Hey, I pick you."
Choosing friends is the easy part, making them is another story.
But God is good.
One day during lunch hour (as I sat all by myself on the grass) a beautiful, bubbly, radiantly happy person tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to join her and her posse for lunch.
My life changed in that very instant.
Miss Nicky chose me and that made all the difference in the world. I'd like to tell you that she and I became best friends forever, and that would be true. However, just about everyone that meets Nicky feels the same way about her.
As I look back at some of the crazy and happy things that Little Missy and her entourage did (which I was delighted to be a part of) I have to wonder if we had any idea what life had in store for us. I certainly didn't.
I'm writing tonight to that amazing woman that continues to change every life that is fortunate enough to interlink with hers. I am so grateful that you have chosen to meet your current battle with the faith, courage, and Christlike love that I was privileged enough to become familiar with so many years ago. I wish I could convey my feelings but my voice just freezes up and my heart physically hurts. Please know that I love you. Please know that my family prays for yours. Please know that you are, always have been, and always will be a great example to me.
As I sat at the table tonight with my children I wondered at the spot that must feel so empty at yours. I hope that you will feel Miss Keilani with you at those times when you most need to as well as those when you least expect.
My littlest one jumped up at prayer time to lead the closing song tonight. She picked the same song she does every night.
I am a child of God
and He has sent me here
has given me an earthly home
with parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
to live with Him some day.
My children seem to teach me so much more than I ever teach them. I hope you don't mind if I wrote another verse with you and your littlest one in mind.
You are a child of God
and He has sent you here
to show me child, the way to live
with patience, faith, and prayer.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me
teach me from above
help my heart feel peace and joy
for God's eternal love.
I love you Nichole. You can do this. There are no coincidences in this life. Everything and everyone has a purpose. Thank you for following the Spirit. Thank you for being you!
Read more about this amazing story of unconditional love, adoption, heart babies, and the inspiration of this good woman and her family here.
