Building Bridges

So many times I find myself focusing on the things in my life which I need to cut out, or do more of. I need to study my Bible more frequently or in depth; or, I need to save money because one of these days I want to rent a beautiful one bedroom apartment in the city, with wood floors and a tiny space for my glass of wine and my laptop, cornered by a massive mahogany bookshelf which holds all of my old journals and maybe a struggling novel. Perhaps I need to spend more time on Earth than in my dreams--especially when I drive--and maybe I would find a bit more beauty in this quaintly savage life. Or, more recently, I need to stop worrying so much about life's moving currents and be satisfied with the fact that I'm no longer standing still on the bank. 

But in a meager turn of events, I've found myself unrelentingly in hot pursuit of female friends--"girlfriends." I suppose making friends is not so meager as it is common sense, but for someone who has spent much of her young adult life chasing the ideals of being a Gold Star Girlfriend to the opposite sex, scooping up a good female friend along the way hasn't been as much of a priority as it should. Now, however, I find myself feeling more settled in the cushion of life, and instead of nesting, I am seeking a few birdies to start flying with. I'll call it, Building Bridges.

I spent the early part of the afternoon with my budding female friend Rue. As a side note, I've got to admit that I feel completely childish getting so excited about making friends that stick, but we've all got to get our kicks somewhere. Anyway, Rue and I met up at the nail salon to catch up and gossip about ourselves. Surrounded by other pampered women and their toes, I felt completely relaxed. I mean, something so simple as getting ones nails done with a friend released tons of happy feelings, if only for the fact that I haven't really done that before. Of course, I go to the nail salon with the girls in my family, but sitting with Rue, I felt completely... independent. The nail salon might seem a strange place to discover one's sense of independence; nevertheless, I found a bit of mine and I savor it even now. 

After the salon, we met up at Willy's to have some made-to-order burritos and more conversation. This conversation was more in depth. Rue and I often share our struggles and inner turmoils with one another after we've had some lighthearted fun. But the experience is always so refreshing because she pulls scripture and encouragement out of me as easily as pulling floss from its container. And Rue is so easy to talk to, I find myself telling her the truth without fear of judgment or backlash. She makes my complicated thoughts simpler, mostly for the fact that she is an outside party looking in on my bouncy brain. I've never had a friend I could call up and say, "Let's meet up for lunch and shopping," or "Let's schedule a movie day on Friday," and just like that, we're there and having a great time. I don't feel like I owe her my soul if I have to cancel last minute, nor does she apologize if she has to turn down one of my invitations. It's an easy, lighthearted, and refreshing friendship. 

Many women may have quite a few "Rues" in their life, and if they do, I consider them blessed. Because I am happy to have built this bridge to my friend Rue. 

xo,

Syd