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good things & good friends

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Good friends are such a treasure. The older you get, the more of a treasure you realize a true friend is, right?! Life can be really hard and when you find a friend that sticks with you through some of your ugliest days, it is such a gift. I am so blessed to be surrounded by many friends like this. But I have one friend in particular who has walked through a lot of life with me and her friendship has been such a gift.

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Julie and I met in high school. We found out we were both going to be attending K-State and decided to be roommates. That was the beginning of such a precious friendship. And let me tell you, we have done a lot of life together since then. College, boyfriends, leading our first Bible study together, graduations, standing next to each other in our weddings, teaching, babies, PICU visits, NICU visits, Cora’s funeral, adoption, surgeries, BSF, cheering each other on through speaking events, leading more Bible studies together, lots of phone calls and texts, late night coffee and grocery runs, birthday parties, play dates…and so much more fun in between.

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The past few years she has been the friend that lives closest to me…which is a big deal when you live in the country. During the summers we spent lots of time going back and forth between our houses for play dates. Our schedules were similar and I could call her at the last minute to hang out or if I needed someone to watch my kids. I knew she wouldn’t care if she came over and my kids were still in their pajamas or my house was a mess. And we we often would end our girl’s nights by picking up a few groceries or supplies for a birthday party because you just have to do those things when you are already in town…country problems.

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The fun thing about doing life together for so long is that our kids have become really good friends. Really good friends. It has been the sweetest thing to watch. Levi is actually convinced that Julie’s kids are his cousins. Don’t try to tell him otherwise.

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We have two kids that are very similar in personality. In case you need a hint, they are the littlest two. Haha. When I told the boys that the Johnsons were moving they were so sad. Almost as sad as their mama. Levi said, “But mom, I will NEVER see them!”. I know the feeling, buddy.

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I had to say goodbye to Julie a few weeks ago as she left with her sweet family for a new adventure in Colorado. I had been dreading that day for weeks. This girl really knows me…and still likes me, she loves my kids like her own, she makes me laugh, and most importantly she is always challenging me to keep my eyes on Jesus. She and her family are an example to so many as they follow hard after Jesus even if it means doing something that is uncomfortable. I love that about them.

So the past few weeks we’ve all been pretty sad. I think the hardest thing is letting go of the fact that we won’t be “doing life” together anymore. I know Julie and I will always be friends but knowing that your kids will no longer be growing up together is hard. Honestly I’ve wanted to just sit around and pout about the whole thing. And some days I have. But I was thinking about what a gift even these past five years of being moms together have been. I’ve loved having a friend who lives so close and is in the same stage of life as me. I’ve loved the play dates and coffee dates. I’ve loved doing Bible studies together and leading Bible studies together. I’ve loved that we’ve been able to be there for each other through some really hard things and cheer each other on through some really great things. We have both grown and changed a lot. Our time together has been a really good gift. And for that, I am so grateful. God has filled my life with good things and one of those good things is my friendship with Julie. Our friendship will continue but life is going to look a little different now…but I can be confident that HE will keep filling me up!

He fills my life with good things!

Psalm 103:5

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  • Leiah - Nearly crying here. I feel for you! I moved 7 years ago to a new continent. It is very hard to make new friends. You know your friends are still your friends, but in daily life, you really miss them. *hugs*ReplyCancel

  • Michelle from Australia - Jess, you ‘introduced’ me to Julie when you asked for prayers for yet to be born Calla. And I feel Blessed to have been able to follow Julie’s journey since. I even once called on her to bake a cake for you 🙂

    My best friend and her husband moved to San Francisco 3 years ago. Which is a long way considering I live in Australia! But I’ve been to visit 3 times, she’s been here a few times and we make it work.

    I’m sorry you are missing your wonderful friend. But I hope and pray that Julie’s family will love their time in Colorado.

    God Bless both The Macs and The Johnsons xxReplyCancel

  • Melissa Joy - I love seeing glimpses of the sweet sisterhood & friendship you share with Julie (and your families together). Beautiful!
    We had a similar parting with our dearest friends (our kids thought they were cousins too!) two years ago, but we are so thankful it is only a 7+ hour drive between our houses, so we can still make it work once or twice a year to keep the bonds as best we can. But oh! saying goodbye is the worst. And the distance IS hard. (((hugs)))ReplyCancel

  • Toni :0) - I, too, found Julie through you to pray for Calla. I was so surprised they were moving but boy did God have his hand all over it! Thankfully FB and hopefully a yearly visit or two will continue to keep you each close to each other. Skype can be a wonderful thing as well! Friends are such a blessing!ReplyCancel

  • creole wisdom - Oh! What a sweet entry and tribute to your sweet friend. I remember chatting briefly with Julie at last year’s Hope Spoken and I could tell how much she loved you and what dear friends you are. Saying good-bye is hard, isn’t it!?ReplyCancel

  • Kristina - Made me sad to read! I believe her blog is how I found your blog. And now I follow both of you. 🙂 May God fill in those empty places that Julie leaves behind. God bless you both!ReplyCancel