I have a confession to make. I don’t read many blogs. It seems hypocritical to admit this given the fact that I started writing one. But the truth is with four kids and three jobs and volunteering and homeschooling and maintaining a hobby farm, I don’t have time to read blogs unless they’re really good or written by my friends. But I do read Jen Hatmaker’s blog. At least sometimes I do, because it falls into the “really good” category of my blog reading criteria.
I’m always surprised by all the commenters who remark that they want to be best friends with Jen. I realize they are kidding. At least I hope they are kidding. But still, in my head I usually think, “I don’t.”
Its not because I don’t like Jen Hatmaker. I don’t even know her. But that’s the point.
For some reason seeing the comments about wanting to be Jens BFF make my mind drift to my real friends. The ones in the nitty gritty of my life. These are the people I want to be best friends with.
The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes that a threefold cord is not quickly broken. I am beyond blessed to have amazing people forming the cords of friendship that have supported me as we do life together.
Friends like Kim who sustained me when my young marriage was rocky. Or my college roommate Rachel who is like a sister to me. Friends like Kimberly who sat at my feet and wept in understanding the day I buried my son. Or like Ali and Melissa who pray with me, kick me in the pants when I need it and give me a hug afterwards. Friends like Amy who I have known since high school and couldn’t live without. Friends like Michelle who I can call when I am at the end of my rope homeschooling my crew. Friends like Maridel who mentor me. Friends like Sandy and Erin who cheer me on in all my shenanigans and let me know when its time to retire my yoga pants. Work friends and childhood friends and church friends and neighbors.
Friends who have stood the test of time.
Friends who are honest. Even to a fault.
Friends who spur me on and rein me in.
Friends who love my kids.
Friends who love my husband.
Friends who tell me when its time for a brow wax.
Friends who will read this, notice I forgot to mention them, and chew me out for it.
I love reading Jen Hatmaker. Her words inspire me and make me think. She’s also hilarious. I am definitely a fan. But my real life friends encourage, help me grow, and challenge me in ways a writers words can’t. And I don’t want them to be like Jen. Because I like them just the way they are.
Again, I realize the commenters are joking. And maybe I am being too literal. But until I meet Jen Hatmaker and we watch Downton Abbey together, downing popcorn like its going out of style, I am not going to envision being her BFF. Because I love the friends I already have.
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