Ever think about the strength that our friendships bring us? Well, last night I was reminded....
I have a close group of girlfriends that hang out with one another on a regular basis. We were all together last night for one of our "My Favorite Things" parties. (THANK YOU, Rhonda!!!) During these parties, we each bring 5 identical items of some of our favorite things (last night, I brought 5 each of a chopping knife, fuzzy socks, and a copy of my favorite poem - Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "How do I love thee, let me count the ways") and exchange them w/ friends. Any way, I was definitely a little concerned about the noise level because we're known to set off sound meters w/ our laughter, especially w/ some of the hair-raising stories we share (if our poor husbands only knew!). I took ear plugs and said a prayer. God is good. It is only through His power that I was able to stay for 2.5 hours and laugh the entire time. Yes, it was loud. Yes, I ended up w/ a pounding head and wobbly legs. But it was the best medicine I've taken in a long time.
Remember to cherish your friends!
The words to Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem are below. Elizabeth Barrett was born into a wealthy family w/ a strict father who forbade his children from marrying. She suffered from a severe lung disease that ultimately confined her to her bedroom for 5 years. During that time, she exchanged letters w/ the then-famous poet Robert Browning and ultimately fell in love w/ him. Know what happened after they married? Elizabeth's health underwent an incredible turn-around! This demonstrates the power of friendship and love. The poem below was written when Elizabeth was falling in love w/ Robert:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,
I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!
and, if God choose,I shall but love thee better after death.
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1 comment:
Stacey, I too was worried about how you would do last night with the noise and everything, but God IS good...ALL the time;and, ALL the time, GOD is good! I was thrilled you were able to stay as long as you did:o) Like I said last night, My REAL favorite things are my family and friends. Thank you God! "The Power of Friendship" is the greatest medicine. Take care my friend!
Love,
Ronda
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