Reunion Top Ten
As I reflect on the celebration of my 20th college reunion, I am reminded of God’s precious gift in creating us to be in community. In God’s infinite wisdom he places people in our lives who will uplift us to become the very best version of ourselves. Often these people become our chosen family. These are the people who walk alongside you in the dark, these are the people who grieve with you. These are the people who not only shine the light upon you but dance in it with you, celebrating every triumph. They give tough love when you need it, they are the rainbow after the rain. God has given me precious people at every juncture of my life. I’ve had the same best friend/sister since I was 7 years old and she is precious to me. I have friends that I made over a decade ago at a Hanson show who have been there for me through all manner of life experiences. I have my seminary friends, which is a special type of bond! And I have my Hollins sisters who keep me going and keep me on my toes for that matter. I believe Jesus had this relationship with his disciples. Yes, at times he became exasperated with them. At times they let him down or didn’t understand his life, but they kept walking with him. I do not doubt for a second that their relationship included joking and ribbing one another, swapping stories around a campfire under the stars, and bolstering each other’s spirits when the road became difficult. When Jesus could no longer walk this earth preaching and teaching, they took up the mantle to glorify him. Everyone needs that. I hope you have that in your life. At Hollins there is a tradition called Ring Night, in which students get their class rings. Throughout the weekend festivities, posters are often created by ‘ring sisters’ giving praise for various students, faculty, etc. In that spirit, since it is a special weekend, I thought I would create one for my “treasures.” Maybe it can inspire you to make one too.
TOP 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY TREASURES:
10. We spent endless hours around a table in the dining hall discussing everything and nothing all at once for four years (we still love a good dinner sesh).
9. We have always been able to easily transition from sweatpants to sequins, multiple women in tiny bathroom transformations (hair done, make-up applied, zippers zipped).
8. In practicality, our parties started early and ended at a reasonable hour for beauty sleep. (even more so now)
7. Birthdays have always been celebrated; since our freshman year it is a special day to love on your people. (I’ve been given confetti cake more times than I can count).
6. These women are smart! The combined mental acumen regarding business, psychology, grant-writing, parenting, wilderness survival, finances, travel, on and on (we could take over the world).
5. There is the desire to purchase a deserted island and live together in a commune (guess who the spiritual director will be).
4. They make me laugh daily (real belly laughs).
3. If I need them, they come running (literally and figuratively).
2. If one of us disappears, she will be found. National guard, drone supply drops, harrowing rescues (unsolved mysteries do not exist). Along that same vein—" no body, no crime.”
1. Though I am an only child, they are my sisters. We have stood by each other through the joys of weddings and childbirth, multiple moves and career changes, holding hair and holding hands. We have cried and mourned together the losses of grandparents, parents, and friends. We love each other’s families and children as if they are blood relatives (I would trust my child’s life in every one of their hands).