Melanie

As I reached blindly into my seed packet this morning I prayed that the Lord would help me choose the perfect flower to plant today; a smile came to my face as I drew Melanie's name out from among all the seeds contained therein. I namelessly mentioned Melanie yesterday, and it seemed only fitting that she should be planted today. I met Melanie in the seventh grade when I was trying to adjust to being in junior high all mixed up with kids from different elementary schools. Melanie was making an even bigger adjustment as she had just moved to a new town and a new school entirely. We quickly became friends, joined at the hip you might say; nearly inseparable. I believe that God very purposefully and strategically placed Melanie in my life during a time when I was being increasingly drawn to friends of questionable character. The influence of Melanie and her family helped to keep me on track when I was getting ready to derail. We had so much fun together, it was like a game to come up with unusual or bizarre activities like "hay bale sitting" (sunbathing on top of an enormous hay bale on the first warm sunny day in March), or creating slip -n- slides out of garbage bags and, when it didn't work so well, turning them into the latest fashion. Recently Melanie came to visit me. I know she is excessively busy preparing for her studio (http://www.somethingslooming.com/) to open and taking care of her family, but she and another friend set aside a day and traveled the distance to my house for a reunion. I am so blessed to have such caring and devoted friends. Without even realizing it, they came at a time when my spirits had been low and favored me with their companionship. Melanie, thank you for being such an important person in my life. I pray for God's continued blessing on your family and your artistic endeavor.