I recently reconnected with a friend of my parents, Manon. She and her husband Aaron, as well as their two children, had lived next door to my family until I was eight years old. Aaron and my father were business partners, and Manon and my mother were very close friends. When our homes were built, Aaron and my father intentionally purchased adjoining lots. Because our two front yards joined, our front yards became the neighborhood kickball – freeze tag – dodgeball field. To look at it now, it’s a small area, but to four little kids, it was the perfect grassy playground.
Families grew, and lives changed as the years passed. Aaron built a newer, larger home and his family moved. Soon after, my father also built a larger home. We left our little track house for a larger home “out in the country.” I know the two women stayed in touch, and I know Manon continued to be a dear friend until my mom passed away at the very young age of 62.
Many years passed. About a year after my father passed away, I received a phone call from one of my father’s old business partners. I’m sure this is what sparked my desire to connect with Manon. Knowing she was close to my mother made me want to reach out to her.
I got Manon’s phone number from her daughter, who was easy to find. Her daughter was cautious when I called, but after we spoke and exchanged some memories of our own, she felt safe enough to help us connect. When I called Manon, we had the most delightful conversation. We made arrangements to meet for lunch a few months later, which we did. It was absolutely fantastic catching up, and I promised to meet her again as soon as I was able.
Two years later, we again met for lunch. I brought Manon a copy of my most current children’s book as a gift, just as I had done before. This one had only been published a month earlier, so it was very newly released. She didn’t read it right away; she set it aside. Our time together was too precious. We chatted of memories I hadn’t thought of in years, as if there had been no time lost. Oddly, there were moments when I again felt like the little girl next door.
When I got home, I sent her a quick text to let her know I was home safe and sound after the three-hour drive back to my place. I texted her, “Just got home. Thank you for a wonderful lunch date today.” Her reply said, “I loved it. You are amazing.” I was caught off guard when just those few words made me cry. I assumed her “You are amazing” was directed at my new book, and I was deeply touched.
Later, after rereading her message, I realized I had actually misunderstood her message. When I realized Manon was not referring to the book as being amazing, but to the person who wrote the book, there were more tears.
I’m terrific at finding my flaws, failures, and insecurities. However, I will admit, I struggle with the idea of being amazing. I know I’m not alone in this. I’ve spoken to many that feel the same way. Why is something like this so hard for us to believe?
The bible tells us we are His masterpiece. We need to believe it. We need to own it.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Hard as it may be for many of us, we need to start owning our amazing selves. And while we’re at it, we also need to help encourage those around us to own their amazing selves as well.
Wishing you joy and peace,
Lorrie
Beautiful. What a blessing for you to be able to visit with your friend from the past. Yes, we are God’s masterpiece. He created each one of us. I pray we all show His love and glory to others.
It’s difficult to receive compliments, isn’t it? I think it’s because, as Christians, we’re taught to be humble. I know I struggled with that for years. The key for me was to take every compliment and offer it to the Father in gratitude for the work HE is doing in and through me. So the compliment ends up being all about HIM rather than about me!
I love your perspective. Compliments offered to the Father in gratitude for the work He is doing. Thanks Ava.
Preach it Lorrie!!!! And….for the record, you are an amazing person through and through.
Thanks Dee. And you are one the most amazing women I know. Hugs!
You made my eyes mist up! It IS so hard to hear that kind of praise and to recognize that they’re talking about US, not about what we’ve done. Words of affirmation are few and far between it seems, and yet the Lord affirms us and his love for us repeatedly in his Book. Thank you for sharing this story of gathering with someone who knew you long ago and who still affirms the great worth you have!
Thanks Melinda.
Ah, so beautiful!!! I love this story of reconnection, and even more, how wonderful that God spoke His words of affirmation through her to you: You are amazing.
Lorrie, this is a beautiful memory! Thank you for sharing. It made my eyes well up just to read and imagine. Sharing in childhood memories with someone who loved your mom is alone a very special miracle. But to have those words of encouragement and kindness spoken to you and of you, that is very precious. Perhaps because words of kindness are so few and far between these days. And yes, because we find it hard to believe. I love your final scripture. We are His masterpiece. May we believe His Word, even about ourselves!
Thanks Melissa. Yes, I think the fact that Manon was “someone who loved my mom” made it extra special. My mom was a kindergarten teacher for 30 years and our home was filled with children’s books. However, she never got to see any of my books. I started writing about ten years after she passed away, and wrote my first children’s book about 20 years after she passed. I so wish I could have shared them with her, but sharing with Manon was extra special.
What a beautiful story of encouragement and deep connection the Lord surely set up as a divine-appointment. 🙂
Thank you Kare
Thanks Karen.
We do need to remember our amazing selves. I often forget. I’m so thankful for God’s word that reminds us this still, day after day, sometimes moment after moment. What a wonderful story of your relationship with Manon. Thank you for sharing a slice of your life with us!
Thank you Marcie. It can be so easy these days to lose ourselves in the world’s concept of amazing, or perhaps even our own. Thank goodness for God’s reminders.