Early in January, some girlfriends and I attended a party together. We put on our cute dancing dresses and headed out as a group. Three cars worth of lovely ladies rolling up at the same time. It was a sight to behold.
About twenty minutes into the night, we were all in the coat room. There were a couple of different conversations going on. The room has a wall length mirror and I just stood in the center, facing that mirror. I watched, in the reflection, as my friends laughed and talked and hugged and just enjoyed time together.
We have lots of different jobs. Our lives go in a lot of different directions for about 15 hours a day. But being the overly dramatic and artsy girl that I am, I took this moment to really breathe in our time together. I am well loved by these girls. We care for each other deeply. It’s beautiful.
It flew by but also lasted for hours. You know what I mean? When you are living a moment while begging it not to end? That’s how I felt that night.
[And as I watched and laughed, I also realized that it was pretty weird to be watching myself and my friends in a mirror. Artsy or not, that’s kinda weird. So I moved on.]
A stranger walked into the coat room, and Marisa said, “Hey, will you take our picture?” because you can always rely on Marisa to be prepared for every photo op.
The laughing stopped. The conversations quieted. And we grouped together, arms entangled, and smiled.
A moment of bliss, captured forever. The snapshot of lives well lived.
I’m overseas in Scotland for a couple of weeks and I’m missing these arms around me, these smiles in my face, and these voices laughing in my ears. But even looking at this picture, I can hear their hearts. I can sense their prayers.
I can feel them pushing me to be brave.
And I am grateful.
By Annie Downs // AnnieBlogs
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I’m pushing you from here. Can’t wait for you to get home so we can do lunch, dear one. Love you!
Yay for picture memories and I hope Scotland is a huge enjoyment for you. <3
I love hearing about your family of friends, Annie, every single time you share. And I’m joining them in praying and pushing for you right now. Sending a huge across the Atlantic (and, you know, half of our country and probably some of yours).
Darn it. I’m not sending a HUGE. I’m sending a HUG. Maybe a huge hug. It’s early.
Annie,
I pray you enjoy Scotland – actually enjoy every moment of every day God has given you! It is to be treasured and held tight.
Keep those picture memories – they last a lifetime!
Look how cute you guys are…..you look like TEENAGERS!!!
Have fun!
love this…so excited for you!! All of us are cheering you on!!
What would we do without our girlfriends?! Just love this post and the picture, Annie.
love you girl. have so much fun in scotland. =)
Ooooooooooooohhhhhh…….. I am SOOOOOO jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was born in Scotland (in Edinburgh, though I’ve never been back there), and though my family moved to South America when I was 5, I LOVE it. It is such a beautiful, gorgeous, slow-paced country. It’s in my bones.
Enjoy it.
Annie,
I have a group of girlfriends I get together with every year… I have so many great memories. It is fun to share life like that! Your photo reminded me of them. 🙂
Genny
Big hug to you! Wishing you joy in Scotland!
“The snapshot of lives well lived.”… I love that Annie. Beautiful captured! I hope you are having a wonderful time in Scotland!
Prayers for your heart, Annie! My Mamma always says “Your future is as bright as the promises of God.” Claim it, girl. 🙂
xo
Good girlfriends are the BEST! You guys are one cute group! Thanks for reminding me that my girls and I desperately need a night out!
Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
I used to think I dind’t NEED close girlfriends.
They are hard to make when you’re an adult – a mom.
I now have a great group of Christian women that I call my best friends.
They push me to be better, hold me accountable, and laugh and cry with me nearly daily.
I wouldn’t want to be without them.
I’m glad you have a group of amazing ladies too!
You are so loved!