I have just now returned home from another fun-filled day. A day with new friends, a day of laughing, talking, eating and oh so much more. A day out with friends.
I can't believe I did it, but I did. I didn't want to at first, but a friend of mine (who I had been in a book club with years ago) convinced me. Just come to one event, she said. Just a luncheon. And see if you like it. I didn't want to like it. Not really. It wasn't my cup of tea. I had other things I was interested in. And they weren't club type things. No, no. They were much more serious and important, or so I thought. Churchy things, important. You know. Or maybe you don't.
You see, I've always had a heart for ministry. I loved going to (and still do) Bible studies, I loved being involved in church activities, going to coffee with church friends, and shopping and lunches with--you guessed it, church friends. So, to go to a club luncheon that was not affiliated with my church, well, that was a little outside of my comfort zone. I'm just being honest here. It's important for you to understand where I'm coming from. However, I did it for her. I do confess that I didn't agree to go with her to be nice, it was was more like, I'll go to get her off my back That sounds harsh, I know. But seriously, she would not let up. Come with me, you'll like it, the people are awesome, they are so nice...OK, OK, I'll go!
And so I went. I didn't know what to expect. The luncheon was at a local country club with a little over 50 women. When I walked in, I really had my doubts--what were they going to be like? I had no idea. I was extremely nervous. A little sweaty. As an extroverted introvert, I find that being placed in a situation like this is not very comfortable for me. I am an INFJ, remember? However, I was determined to see this through--for my friend. I would go to this one lunch, tell her it wasn't for me and then I'd be off the hook forever! Great plan. Great idea. One and done!
I really didn't plan to like it. I didn't want to like these ladies. I didn't want them to be so nice! Stop talking to me, stop making me feel welcome, stop having so many things in common with me--you're making me want to like you! And while I didn't say these things out loud, I sure thought them. What a great group of women. So friendly, so nice, so inclusive. I fell in love--lunch at first sight.
I had a decision to make. To join or not to join. Honestly, I didn't have to think about it long at all. I wanted to join. See, I told you--my friend said. I told you you'd like it. Shut up!!!!! You're right. Where do I sign up?
So, I joined the club. And it isn't just any old club. It's huge. With over 100 women from all walks of life, all wanting and needing to be with others like them. Some are retired, some empty nesters, some expats, some just plain old needing friends. We have so much in common--whether it's kids, grandkids, or travel--we come from all over the country and the world. We are friendly, loving, kind, inclusive and non-judgmental. Kind of like a church group. I'm saying that a little tongue in cheek. A few of the gals are Christians like me, a few are atheists, and a few are quiet about stuff like that. Me on the other hand, well, I am not so quiet about my faith. I live it out (or try to) as best I can. I am not the preachy type, I don't get in their faces, but I don't hide it either, that's for sure. I am hoping that through my deeds, words and actions--they see me for who I really am. Someone who loves her God, someone who is kind, loving, and caring. Someone they can come to at any time for prayer. A friend. A true friend.
I've been a part of this club now for 2 years. I am extremely involved. I hold a position on the board.
I probably see these women 2-3 times per week. Our club offers right around 20 activities to get involved in. I bet I do at least half of them. My faves are--anything to do with food, which means if you're going to lunch, I'm in! I have also mastered the game of canasta, and now I am addicted. And I am once again in a book club, which is great for me since I am an avid reader. I talked one of the gals into teaching a bunch of us to knit--we now have a knitting club. We go to dinners, happy hours, movies, plays, and lunches. We hike, golf, and we play a lot of games, with Canasta being my favorite. I know, I've already said that. It is my favorite!
Honestly, if someone had told me just a few years ago that I would be involved with a club like this I would have bet against them. I had zero interest. It's funny though how God knows just what I need. You see--I need friends. I need a ministry. I need to be needed. And I need to be used by God. I need people. And He put me in just the right place. A great big club, with lots of little clubs, where I meet new and interesting people all the time. He shows me who to pray for. He gives me just the right words to say, at just the right time. And He also helps me keep my mouth shut and just listen. He helps me to be a good, authentic, and genuine friend--who loves, cares and empathizes with her friends. He has made me a better person via this club. Do I still attend a Bible study? Yes, I do, and I love those gals also. However, God has opened my eyes to a whole new group of friends. It's a new ministry area for me. He's teaching me so many things about what it is to truly live out my faith, live out my walk, and also entire new areas of prayer. What an amazing experience this has been for me!
I thank my friend Jean for inviting me. I can say truthfully that these last 2 years have been a Godsend. The ladies are wonderful, I haven't had this much fun in years. And thanks to them I have put on a ton of weight from all the many lunches we go to. That will have to change though! Ugh, I can't even fit into my clothes!
All in all, I have learned many things about myself and about life. I've learned that God wants me to be flexible. He wants me to change, and to grow. He wants me to be able to be open to new people, new places, and new experiences. And He does not want me to put Him in a box and say--this is how God works. He is teaching me to be a better friend, a better listener, and a better pray-er. He is teaching me. Period. Now it's up to me to be open to Him--to listen, learn, and to be obedient. I am very thankful for His patience with me. For His unfailing love, and for His kindness. I am thankful for the many friends that He has placed in my life. I am thankful for this club. I hope to be a part of it for years to come. I hope to be used by God to minister to others. I hope and pray that I can always be there for my new friends as well as old.
Oh, you club of clubs, you New Clevelanders you, I want to wrap my arms around you and give you a big ol' hug. I'll see you in a couple of hours--for lunch. Oh my goodness! As I try to zip up my jeans...wait for me!
