Mixed blessings

I mentioned few posts ago that I have made a new friend, and indeed I have.  This is momentous for me because although I have plenty of friendly acquaintances and a few good friends, I don't make new friends easily.  I have trouble pushing past the barrier that stands between friendly chit chat and actual friendship.  Somehow this time I have succeeded and I have enjoyed having a new person to call up for playground playdates or to share a laugh over lunch.  I'm starting to think that my social need may be higher than I once thought.

Here's the trouble... my new friend will only be living here for another 9 months or so.  Her husband is doing his fellowship work here and at the end of the fellowship they will move back to Michigan.  I certainly don't begrudge them this arrangement, I want only the best for them and their family.  They both grew up in Michigan and have family there so it all makes perfect sense. But I am a little sad that this new friendship comes with an expiration date.

I realize there is no reason we cannot continue to be friends in some fashion.  I imagine we will exchange Christmas cards and send each other occasional emails, but let's be realistic... Michigan and my corner of the States couldn't be much further apart and life has a way of moving on.

I have decided though that their impending move is no reason not to continue to enjoy this new friendship while she is here.  Really that would be the height of selfishness, wouldn't it?  Plus, I have the feeling God is trying to teach me something with this relationship.  

So, today, I am thankful for mixed blessings.