This is how Jordan Stinson (well now McLaughlin) and I
became friends:
Once upon a time (in 8th grade), these 2 girls
came to visit Celebration Baptist with their family. We had just finished with
Sunday School and our teacher asked me and another girl if we would sit with
these new kids during service while their parents went to their own class. I
could tell right from the beginning that these girls were way out of my social
league. But I knew I needed to make a good impression on them for the sake our
church. Naturally, I handled this meeting with grace and poise…. Actually at
one point I tried to be funny and pretended to push her off the balcony. (I was,
and currently am, the most awkward person in the world!)
I don’t know what it was about her, but I knew we needed to
be friends. Not for any sweet or loving reason. I think I was hoping that being
friends with this new girl would instantly make me a cooler person. So I was
determined to do whatever it took to make her like me.
Slowly, we started becoming friends. We had similar
interests. We laughed together a lot and liked being around each other. (We
also may have decided that our younger siblings were going to get married one
day. That’s still a work in progress.) And that’s not even the most
unbelievable thing. One day I realized she was one of my best friends. I could
tell her anything! And no matter how ridiculous my complaints or worries were,
she was always so full of encouragement. Then, not only was she there for me
during my emotional break downs, but she was someone I could totally talk to
about my relationship with Jesus. We started digging into God’s word together.
We started praying together. And then, this girl that I thought was way out of
my friendship league became my soul sister.
The point of me telling you this story is this: God puts the
people in our lives for a reason. Sometimes, it makes a lot of sense.
Sometimes, it doesn’t. Sometimes, it’s the most beautiful and joyful thing. And
other times, it hurts but it makes us stronger in the long run. I know God put
every person in my path for a reason. Some were so I could learn something from
them. Some were there for me to teach and pour into. And then, a special few
have stuck around for the long haul. I don’t think anyone thought that almost
10 years later, Jordan and I would still be the friends we are today. I’m so
thankful that she is though!
Listen, no matter what someone has done to you or put you
through, they are a part of your story. Maybe it’s to give you a chance to
learn about forgiveness. Maybe it’s to help you find the people you can count
on. And those people you can count on, they are the best part of your story. It’s
the family you were born into. The best friend that you know would travel to
the ends of the earth for you. The person that wins over your heart and clouds
your judgment enough to cause you to marry them (that of course is a joke. I
hope you are absolutely in love with your significant other). No matter who
each person is or what your history is with them, don’t think that meeting them
is a freak accident. God has weaved their story with yours so perfectly
together for a reason.
Learn to cherish and love constantly on the ones that have
stuck around. Invest in those that you know need extra love and encouragement.
Forgive those who have hurt you. Fight for those that are worth it. And be
thankful to the God who made them and you!
