In a sentimental mood...

Here I am in northern California, where it's beautiful, sunny, and you can never run out of things to do within a 2 hour driving distance of here. Yet, somehow, I find myself currently longing for more.

I settled in pretty quickly, and now have my weekly routine down. Work at the church on Sundays, Tuesdays, and after 2 pm on Wednesdays. Work at Sweet Magnolia on Mondays, Wednesdays until 2, and Thursday through Saturday (at least while the owner is on maternity leave).

So basically I have evenings free. It would sure be nice to have friends to spend some of that time with, however. I love all the people I work with at CPC, but all except for one are in their early 20s and in a growth period I'd just as soon forget. They love going out dancing and things that just don't excite me anymore. I long for my friends back in Minnesota who loved to host dinner parties, have game nights, and just hang out over a cup of coffee or a walk around a lake.

Right now I would love to have a friend to talk to about what's going on in my life - someone just to reminisce with, pray with, and who doesn't need my life story to understand why God has me where I am and where I'm headed. It would be wonderful to pull up an outside table at Starbucks to talk for a couple hours.

Instead, I will head to the house I'm housesitting at to spend the evening alone, maybe talking to the cat. Or maybe I'll go sit at Starbucks and read a book, or head to the mall to wander a bit, or go for a walk up San Damiano for a wonderful view of the valley. And while all those are great options, and will entertain me for the evening, I really want a hug and a shoulder to cry on.

In due time, I guess, I will form deeper friendships here, too. And for now, I'll continue on in the fight, knowing that I am doing what God wants me to be doing right now and ultimately that's the only thing that matters anyway. But I can't help longing for a hug and a good friend to have a cup of coffee with when I'm having a difficult day.

So I pray for God to keep lifting my head, to keep my focus on the prize, and not get discouraged. For He is with me even when I am lonely, holds me when I cry, and rejoices when I smile as I remember how much He loves me.