Titus 2 Tuesday: Jennifer

For today’s Titus 2 Tuesday, I’m honoring a dear, life-long friend, Jennifer. I met Jennifer on the first day of first grade. I don’t remember this exactly, but my mom has always said I came home from school and told her there was a new girl in my class, her name was Jennifer, and I did NOT like her. In fact, I called her a witch!?! Mother told me we don’t say mean things about people, reminded me that I’d just met Jennifer, and scolded me for being so harsh.

Days, even weeks passed.

One evening at supper, I announced that my new friend Jennifer had invited me to spend the night with her. My parents asked me if this was the same friend who I’d earlier told them was a witch.

Yep. That’s the one. She also wears big bows in her hair, and they always match her dresses. She always wears dresses.

Well, my parents let me spend the night with Jennifer, thus beginning a true blue friendship that’s lasted through band-nerds-to-cool-girls, first loves, proms, high school graduations, colleges (at different schools), weddings, and careers. I remember when she called me to tell me her granddaddy had passed away; I think we were in fourth grade, maybe?. . . It was the first funeral I attended, and I remember her catching my eye during the song, "In His Time". Both of our eyes were filled to the brim with tears. But somehow, I felt better just knowing my friend knew I was there. The Good Lord knew then that we'd comfort each other many times over in our lives. And each time, I'm reminded that He does make all things beautiful . . . in His time.

Today, Jen is that friend who’s always checking in to see how we are doing, she’s busier than I can imagine with a job that’s competitive, challenging, and flat out HARD WORK, and she’s the most compassionate person I know!

Anyone who knows Jen knows that a voicemail from her is almost like a song, “Hey, B, it’s Jen, hope you’re doing well. I’m just working along the coast today and thought I’d check in to see how you are while I’m on the road. We’re good, just staying busy.” This is only the beginning of her voicemail. We laugh at how you aren’t sure there’s a need to call her back because Jen tells you everything in her message! It’s priceless!

This weekend, Jen shared with me that she’s expecting. She and her husband are pregnant, and baby Fanning is due on Christmas Day! Jennifer will be an amazing mother. This is know for sure. After all, she’s been an amazing friend to me for years and years.

Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for putting Jennifer in my life almost 24 years ago. Thank you for the lady she is, for the mother she will be, and for her precious husband who cherishes her as she should be cherished. And, thank you for choosing her to carry a precious baby for your glory.