Wow this summer has certainly flow by! With such a l-o-n-g winter before it, and the Farmer's Almanac predicting an equally long, cold, snowy winter ahead, we are just a bit sad to see the leaves starting to turn.
Not that we don't like fall, it's just that we know full well what comes next!
It was certainly a fall-like evening when the girlfriends recently landed at Panera Bread on Gull Road in Comstock township for a bite to eat and some chatter. Several sista's had last-minute work or family obligations and couldn't make it, so Elisabeth, Sarah and I held down the fort.
We chose to go to Panera because they serve wholesome food in an efficient manner and we were all very busy with summer's end activities. We were pleased with both the food and service as well as the fact that the evening was just warm enough to sit outside.
Honestly, we hardly tasted of the food, as Sarah had BIG things on her mind and needed to update us on her recent mentoring experience as well get our input on her upcoming business trip to Europe.
You may recall that Elisabeth wrote about Sarah's mentoring challenge in the last blog post. Check it out here to catch up.
Sarah sadly reported that the person she was mentoring is no longer in the program. Of course the details are private, but Sarah shared just enough for us to realize how difficult it is to work through the system to access the help that is available to those in need.
The conversation also made us realize how blessed we are and grateful for all we have and the health and well-being of our children and extended families.
In more exciting news, Sarah was preparing for Europe! Having never been "over the pond" and knowing that both Elisabeth and I had that experience in our pockets, she had many questions, mostly about money. For instance, should she purchase Euro's before she goes (not necessarily)? Are credit cards accepted in most places (yes)? How should she go about finding an ATM (there's an app for that)? Will ANYONE speak ANY English (absolutely!)?
As we chatted and shared our knowledge, Sarah began to relax and to realize that many things are much the same in Europe as here - especially the presence of ATMs and very friendly, helpful people!
After sharing lots of laughs about traveling abroad, we settled into a conversation about retirement - a popular topic amongst the girlfriends. As you may know, I retired almost 2 years ago and Elisabeth just retired a few weeks prior to our dinner!
So, how is Elisabeth faring with retirement? Very well, thank you very much! In fact, I liked her attitude as we discussed developing a retirement routine "I'd like to have the chance to be bored first, then I'll start filling in the blanks!" exclaimed Elisabeth.
We chatted about volunteer opportunities and how to find them as well as how we might get more involved in helping both our church and its ministry of providing clothing to those in need.
After quite a lively conversation full of information and laughter, we decided it was time to head on home to prepare for the excitement of tomorrow.
Every time the girlfriends get together, I am reminded of this Bible verse: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20.
This realization calms me and helps me know that He is listening to our concerns, prayers and petitions and that everything is according to His plan...
Even another cold, snowy winter in southwest Michigan (but I can't help but hope the Farmer's Almanac is wrong!).
Enjoy the beauty of fall,
Miriam
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