When It Rains, It Pours

I have to tell you about one of my friends.

The first time I met her was after I graduated from college and moved back to my parents' house for the summer. I "happened" to visit a new church one Sunday—the very same weekend her husband was interviewing for the pastor position there.

He got the job.

A few months later she invited me to lunch, and we've been friends ever since. Over the years we've done youth ministry together, taught in the same classroom, survived long-distance moves, celebrated successes and all the good things in life, walked through hard things, and somehow managed to stay connected. She's one of those lifelong friends. Even if months go by, we just pick up right where we left off.

So when we finally found a day that worked for lunch recently, I was determined to make it happen.

The day started just as I expected. I had work. My youngest had a softball game. My oldest had volleyball and weightlifting. Then the expected ended.

The rain came.

The softball game was called early, so my nine-year-old ended up spending time in my classroom. My fifteen-year-old made it home on her bike before the rain started, but she still needed to get back into town for her behind-the-wheel driver's training.

"Mom, can you drive me?"

I rushed home, drove her into town, dropped my youngest off with my parents, and headed out for lunch.

The farther I drove, the harder it rained. It wasn't just rain—it was one of those summer downpours where you start wondering if your tires are as good as you think they are. I found myself gripping the steering wheel a little tighter every time I hit standing water, hoping I wouldn't hydroplane...or at least not any more than I already was.

I finally pulled into the parking lot a little late and a little wet, but as soon as we sat down and started talking, I knew it was worth the drive.

On the way home, I kept thinking about the day we first met. At the time, it felt like a random coincidences. I visited a church. Her husband interviewed. They moved. We became friends.

Looking back, I don't think it was random at all. God went before us. God was putting a friendship in my life that would stretch through decades. Through ministry, teaching, moves, raising families, and all the things in between, He knew we would need each other's encouragement long before either of us did.

It also made me think about David and Jonathan. Their friendship wasn't built on convenience. Life took them in different directions and wasn't always easy, but Jonathan stayed a faithful friend. He encouraged David and pointed him back to God when he needed it most.

I think that's one of the best gifts God gives us—people who remind us we're not walking through life alone.

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

Life gets busy. Schedules fill up. Plans change, and sometimes they change because of a summer downpour.

I'm thankful I didn't let that rain keep me from lunch. And I’m even more thankful for a friend I didn’t know I needed all those years ago, before either of us had any idea what our friendship would become.

Take a minute today to thank God for the people He's placed in your life. Then send them a text, make the phone call, or schedule the lunch. You never know how much both of you might need it.

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About Make Monday Matter

Make Monday Matter is my weekly Christian devotional where I share reflections on faith, running, and the small ways God shows up in everyday life.