Kindred Spirits

I've waxed eloquently many times on the amazing friendships I have here in my hometown. I am truly a blessed woman to live in this community of like-minded Moms.

One might be tempted to think that since I have so many good Catholic moms here at my fingertips, my calendar must be filled to the max with playdates and outings galore. My phone must be ringing off the hook, and the number of meals and outside obligations keep me as busy as a bee.

Not so, I say, not so.

And I say this with a sense of peace (finally!) and not regret or loneliness.

When I first moved here, over 10 years ago, and I started to scratch the surface of this amazing little Catholic town, I was caught up in the novelty of it all. I was determined to be friends with everyone, and went out of my way to nurture these friendships. Of course, it was a daunting task. I mean, I have over 20 families on my local phone list on the fridge, and probably at least 50 more in a local e-mail loop I belong to. And the number is growing. It's wonderful and refreshing... but unrealistic to think that I can really "know" everyone.

And for the first time ever, I am realizing that this is okay.

It hit me a few months ago when I met a family that was visiting the area. We were introduced, and our two families immediately hit it off. The *click* was almost audible. Our kids ran around our house like banshees with nary a fight or disagreement, and the adults chattered up a storm. When the mom brought the kids over by herself, I shared thoughts and views with her that would only be spoken by close, life-long friends. The coolest thing was, at every turn, we were in agreement. And I felt like I had found a long lost sister or soul-mate. Too bad they live 2000 miles away!

I have a handful of friends here that fit that very same description. Probably about 4 or 5. Given my melancholic temperment, that number suits me perfectly. I need my solitude and my peace. But I also need these kindred spirits to support and stabilize me, to draw me out and challenge me, and to just have a good hearty laugh with. And even though I may not be as close to some of my other friends, I still truly care about them and would do anything to help them any time.

What I had a hard time letting go of, is the thought that everyone needs to be a kindred spirit, a soul-mate. My chance meeting with a dear friend who lives 2000 miles away convinced me that there really is this wonderful plan in God's design that allows certain people to be drawn to certain other people. It is not a deficiency on our part that we cannot feel this connection with everyone. It is God's gift that He allows us to experience it with anyone.

He has given us this little glimpse into what eternal happiness has in store for us. Many kindred spirits, inspiring soul-mates, and dear dear friends.

:)