shout out

I started a new job a few weeks ago as a speech-language pathologist in the public schools.  It has been absolute craziness!!  Combine the stress of a new job (and all of the lovely things that go along with new jobs) with a personal life that is more up in the air than it has ever been and you get this: a Katrina who is more overwhelmed than ever before with seemingly no one to turn to or hold her.  In other words, last week was especially rough.

Then Friday morning came.  I woke up to the most brilliant idea I have ever had: GO VISIT BROOKE IN SEATTLE.  Simple as that. 

I looked up flights, found some for a very reasonable price that worked perfectly with my schedule.  Then I texted and called Brooke.  I don't think I've ever heard her so excited.  She practically demanded that I come, and of course I couldn't let her down.  After work, I quickly showered and packed my bags for a weekend getaway.

A weekend in Seattle visiting one of my best friends was exactly what I needed.  I met some really great, down-to-earth people, did some adventurous and somewhat outrageous things, and laughed...a lot.  But the new friends I made, the things I did, and the insight on life I gained weren't what made the weekend so great.  It was the fact that I had a friend, a really good friend, who was willing to let me barge into her life for three days completely unexpectedly and nearly unannounced.

The Lord has this really great way of allowing specific people in and out of our lives at specific times and for specific reasons.  Some are there to help us grow, some to comfort, some to challenge, some to hurt and leave us, and some to stay forever.  No matter what the purpose is, we have the amazing opportunity to learn from each and every person that crosses our paths.  But that's just it, it's up to us.  What we do with what the Lord gives us is our choice, no one else's.  And I believe that rings the most true with the people He places in our lives, no matter how long they may be there. 

Don't take anyone for granted.  Don't let the opportunity for amazing friendships and growth pass you by.  I can almost guarantee you'll regret it.