To My Friend on Her Wedding Day

Dear Tierra,

I can’t really remember how we met although I know it was through a mutual friend.  I definitely remember when I first saw you I couldn’t take my eyes off of you. 

You were beautiful. 

I wondered “wow, that girl is so pretty”.  But it wasn’t until we did Amy’s book club and we were on our way to Great Northern and we had 2 other passengers in the back seat that I knew “this is going to be my friend”.  I probably couldn’t have verbalized it that well but I knew I was drawn to you spiritually and I liked your personality.  The truth of the matter is, unbeknownst to me, your “secret gift of friendship” was at work (smile).  Yes, you have this hidden ability to befriend almost anyone you meet and they can’t help but fall in love with you.  Just like your soon to be husband. 

I have tears in my eyes as I write this and I’m really going to try not to get mushy but I know I’m in good company so it’s ok if I let some tears fall.  We have that in common, that sensitivity to Holy Spirit and to His people.  That intercessory call on our lives to stand in the gap for others even when we don’t realize it.  

I’m so thankful you have stood in the gap for me. 

And so the days of our acquaintance became months and the months became years and all of a sudden you were in my space.  In my small circle of community and in my heart.  You have always made me feel loved and special and for that I’m eternally grateful.  I love the fact that we have spent countless nights sharing a bed and talking ’til we fell asleep.  So many conversations consisting of Jesus and men and “Jesus, where are the men?!?”  And now you have both :-). 

God confirmed to you His plan for you and once again you obeyed.  Your heart is always to do His will and that is one of the things I admire about you.  No matter what life throws at you, just as when you ran that triathlon you push forward and WORSHIP.  I’m so honored Christ has chosen me to run along side you in this race.  To experience the highs and lows of your life.  To stand in the gap for you, even when you don’t know it.  I’m so honored to serve you on your wedding day and be apart of your memories.  To watch you (even if from afar) as you experience the various milestones life has to offer.  I know that you are safe and secure with Dennis.  I know that he has what you need and vice versa.  I have no doubt your union will manifest God’s kingdom, which is top on your priority list. 

My prayer for you is that this marriage will bring forth healing and wholeness.  Faith, Hope and Unconditional Love.  Such love that Christ gives us.  Love that covers a multitude of sins and extends a hundred hands full of grace. 

Knowing that you are being soaked in such showers of healing makes it easier to know that the sleepovers from now on will be few and far between.  The hours long conversations will be trimmed down to possibly 20 minutes.  The Panera meetings will have to take a rain check.  And when little ones make the scene these conversations will consist more of talk about the babies than dating (my dating life of course, not yours, lol).  But all of that is fine by me because I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU.  So happy to witness your faithfulness and God giving you the desire of your heart.  

So with 2 more days til your wedding day, I just want to thank you for being there for me these last 5 years.  Thank you for offering yourself as a sweet sacrifice to your Savior, and in doing so extending yourself to His children.  For making this season of singleness a blessing and not a burden.  For understanding that we are here for His good purpose and not our own.  Truly the best is yet to come for you and I am standing on the sidelines with the rest of your loved ones, cheering for you as you take each step forward on your journey of life. 

Love Always,

Your Friend,

Nicole