I am thankful for this group of Christian sisters whom I came to know during my 10 years at Providence Classical Christian Academy:
The accumulation of grit and stubborn will of the 12 women gathered around this table probably exceeds that of The Dirty Dozen! And what an incredibly diverse group of ladies!
Some are married, some divorced and remarried, some widowed.
Our ages span 4 decades.
Between the 12 of us, we cover every digit from 0-6 in the # of children we have. These children range in age from 1 year to 40+ years, and a couple of us even have grandchildren!
Our level of education ranges from High School diplomas to Masters degrees.
We attend churches from nearly every tradition: Non-denominational, Charismatic, Reformed Baptist, Free Church of Scotland Continuing (really!), Evangelical Free, and Presbyterian.
Our personalities are even more varied than our churches! Some are sweet, some harsh. Some docile, some confrontational. Some subtle, some not-so-subtle. Some soft-spoken, some loud. Some peacemakers, some troublemakers. Every one of us, though, is opinionated.
The roles we filled at PCCA ran the gamut: moms of students; directors of development; headmasters; fundraisers; Adminstrative assitants;, teachers of music, Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, Latin, History, Composition; curriculum writers; auction chairmen, etc.
And right now, only 3 of us remain employed at PCCA, while the other 9 are involved elsewhere. So what is it that brought together and has held together such an unlikely sisterhood?
Quite simply, it is our common bond in Christ and our love for our own and one another's children. Each of these women loves the Lord, His Word and His people. Each one desires to serve and build up the Body of Christ. Each one pours herself out for the sake of others.
So, in spite of our vast differences, we recognize in one another a kindred spirit that transcends those things that could have (and sometimes nearly did!) tear us apart. We have, at times, hurt one another. We have arrogantly dismissed one another's opinions. But we have also smoothed each other's rough edges. We have built one another up in love and good works. We have refined and strengthened each other's strong points and we have covered for each other's weaknesses. We have challenged one another. And we are all better for having known one another and having lived side by side, sharing a passion for Christian education and for the glory of Christ.
So, on this first Grati-Tuesday of the year, I give thanks to God for enriching my life through the faithful lives of these 11 women.
6 comments:
Brought a smile to my face.
I'm glad, Kevin! Anyone who knows this rag-tag group, as you and Misty do, totally get how amazing it is that we ever became and have remained friends!
What a well-stated tribute to the grace of God that flows in the lives of those who love and serve God.
As one of the ones, who are absent from PCCA, I can with all sincerity say that those years where some of the best in my life. The lessons learn were innumerable and poignant.
I can honestly say, I would not be who I am today, except for the influence of these women along with others not represented in the Dirty Dozen.
I am blessed to have known and labored with each of them, especially you, my dear friend.
Oh yes, to anyone reading this post, don't be mislead by the tone of my response as to believing I am one of the sweet, docile ones described! Choose all the antonyms, that's me!
Thanks for loving me with all my flaws!
And we do love you, warts and all! :-) Thanks for making me laugh...choose all the antonyms...nice. You and me both, sister.
Redeemed.....that is what came to mind after reading...so sweet. Thank you for using your gift to capture this little clan of misfits. My heart is full and I just can't articulate what being together meant so I defer to your blog and your insightful, witty, truthful synopsis of God's story in our lives.
Thank you for a wonderful night, Lori... I find myself missing those "opinions", ladies!
You put into words what I feel everytime we get together. What a great God we serve and how good to experience his grace and goodness. Each lady at that table will forever remain in my heart. And I wont ever be totally happy unless my son gets to benefit from at least some of your guys talents.
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