Joy for nothing in general, except everything in particular.

One of the best kinds of joy - the one that comes gifted in the form of a new kindred spirit kind of friendship.  A blessing that I found myself undoubtedly overwhelmed by this year.  I spotted her across the room of a most frequented (and favorite) coffee shop and knew I just had to meet her.  And I did.  Hours passed.  It was soon discovered: Before we came into each other's lives, we missed each other so bad.  (Carly Rae Jepsen communicates this clearly through her number one hit song, "Call Me Maybe").

Please note: This may in fact be one of our songs and we do have plans of making a music video together.  Please stay tuned for such a debut.

To top it off, we discovered that we were also in fact, neighbors.  She was officially the girl next door.

Since our meet cute, we've been those inseparable friends that like the days of growing up and playing with"neighborhood kids," we get to walk over, walk in, walk together, eat together, stay over super late, leave flowers and goodies on the door step, and door bell ditch.  Plus so much more that our future together will (God - willing) hold.

She is a gem.  She is gracious and beyond thoughtful.  A three part novel would likely be too short to describe her outstanding uniqueness.  And in an effort to keep my mascara on tonight (as we have our first group of campers arriving shortly), I will simply share one example of the many ways her delightful spirit and generous heart has brought me joy.

The night before I left for my summer here in Alaska, I received what has most definitely been selected for an award as one of the best cards I have ever received.  In addition, she gave me a special book called, "Guerrillas of Grace" that she carried with her during all of her travels abroad.  (Many of you know that there is no existence of a single word to describe the depth of sentimental qualities and enjoyment I have).

So as I spent a morning picking wildflowers (as photos illustrate below), I came across this prayer in "Guerillas of Grace."  A true reflection of the joy that I am thankful for through such friends as Madeline and the joy found through the simplicity of such things as picking wildflowers in a wide open field.  

"Extravagant God, waken in me a sense of joy, in just being alive, joy for nothing in general except everything in particular; joy in sun and rain, joy in soft light, through shyly disrobing trees, joy in the acolyte moon, joy in the beating of a thousand wings, mysteriously knowing which way is warm; joy in wagging tails and kids' smiles, joy in the taste of bread and wine, the smell of dawn, a touch, a song, a presence; joy in having what I cannot live without - other people to hold and cry and laugh with; joy in love, in you; and that all at first and last is grace."

All is well with my soul.  Ps. I love you Maddie. :)