Two weeks from today, I will drive to the airport in a rented car to pick up my friend, Mary Snyder, and set out for Route 66 on the Great Girlfriend Adventure. What started as a crazy conversation about our shared love for the Americana and romance of yesteryear’s road travel, ended up becoming a real roadtrip of gargantuan proportion! I still can’t believe we really get to do it!
Behind the scenes of road trip planning, my own life’s road has taken some pretty crazy turns. We decided to pursue a long-time dream, sold our house and bought an updated 80’s ranch house on 30 acres to start an equine therapy non-profit. While the move was certainly our choice, and the source of a lot of excitement, it still brought with it a lot of stress from uprooting and rerooting. We’ll be looking for a new church (again), meeting new neighbors (again), and learning a new little town (again). Because this is our third place to live in 3 years, since moving back to Texas, I’ve never really gotten my footing here. My heart is, and always will be Texan, as I was born and raised here, but the move back has been the hardest move I’ve ever experienced, which, in and of itself, has thrown me for a loop.
The result of this unsettledness has been a first for me. I’ve experienced what I can only determine to be mild depression, as I’ve never dealt with it before. While I’ve known that I needed connection more than ever, instead of finding it, I’ve withdrawn instead. I’ve become a bit of a loner, which is really unlike me, and in the midst of it all, I’ve found myself growing dry, spiritually.
I recently told a friend that I feel like I’ve been jogging in quicksand for months and months. I’ve been wandering in the proverbial desert and before I knew what was happening, I was drawn into the very sand itself. At first it felt warm and comforting somehow, holding me in its grasp, but before long I realized that it was trying its best to bury me, pulling against me, as I struggled to get out and move forward. Of course, that’s the intent of the sand; it pulls against your every effort until you finally just give in and give up.
I’ve been a Christian a long time. I’ve been tripped up by satan on more than one occasion, and I’ve studied and know well, his tricks and schemes. Truthfully, I’ve seen his handiwork in my sandy trap. I’ve known it was him pulling against me, and I’ve known how to combat his efforts.
But I haven’t.
I’ve chosen to stay ensnared and separate from my Savior. The Great Liar somehow made me think the effort required to get out was simply too great.
Until now.
The point of this Great Girlfriend Adventure is how God glorifies Himself through our friendships when they are built on the sure foundation of His Word. It’s about the importance of our connection with each other, how we are created for relationship and how the great joy of living out our faith adventure through our friendships is our way of glorifying Him. As I thought about the trip this morning, I realized that it is celebrating the very thing that I’ve allowed myself to be pulled away from: my on-the-ground connections with other women…my life-giving connection with God.
When you’re in a pit of quicksand, you don’t go anywhere. There is no road to travel; you just watch others pass you by. I’m sick of it, and I’m starting my climb from the sand today. I’d love to have you join me here over the next couple of weeks as I grab hold of the truths that will cause the desert’s grip to loosen, and allow me to climb back out onto the road of life God has planned for me. Maybe you’re stuck in some sand of your own. Here’s one to get us both started:
So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. James 4:8 MSG
I’m ready, SO READY, to shake off the last of the sand and take to the open road. You, too? Then, join us! It may be a long and winding road, but there’s adventure to be had, and life – real, true, life – to live.
Oh my word! This made me cry. I KNOW that place in the sand. I’ve found myself drifting into it. I love how the Lord has given both of us a WAY OUT! and a ROAD to travel. Two weeks girl! JUST TWO WEEKS! Crazy adventure awaits!!!
I love you, Mary R. What did we do to deserve this crazy adventure?
Come by and see me!
Not getting over that far this trip, Kim…but your neck of the woods needs to be another road trip adventure!
Melinda,
Praying for you my sweet friend. Can’t wait to see what you get into with Mary.
Sheryl
Thanks so much Sheryl!!
I’ve been up to my neck in that sand before, so I certainly understand what you’re talking about. It sounds like this Girlfriend Adventure is coming at just the right time. Can’t wait to hear about it…wish you were coming to see me!
Love to you and Mary…
Thank you sweet Beth! Hugs!!
I too know all about quicksand and sinking.. I also am aware of the dry feeling spiritually and only god can remove you with your help. I cant tell you how excited and moved I am by you girls doing this together. I think it is awesome, I will be praying for connection from God and friends, healing and much fun. hope this binds your relationships as friends forever.. Best wishes girls! hugs…
Thank you for your sweet words Debbie!!
I’ve been in the desert for a couple of years now. When we moved here and I became sick, it was easy for me to slip into the four walls of our home. Like you, it was a comfort to me for a while, but comfort can easily morph into complacency if allowed to simmer for too long. While I still prefer isolation most days, I choose population because I know it’s good for my heart and for my inconsistent emotions. You going on this trip will open up you heart, mind, and soul again to the rich treasure of population! And who better to travel with than Jesus and Mary?!!!
Praying all this good for you as you move forward, friend.
peace~elaine
Thank you for these words, Elaine. They mean more than you know. And Jesus and Mary? Indeed, who better?
Lifting you up, as well, my friend,
Melinda
Oh wow….Thats exactly where I have been….especially since Jack’s stroke 17 months ago. He is fine, but I still find myself totally withdrawn and have experienced real depression for the first time ever…No one really gets it. People I thought were friends disappeared…so the safety of the house seems easiest…I look forward to joining you on this trip.
Teresa
I can’t get over how many of us there are! I’ve been hearing from people all day. Please know that I GET IT. And I’m sending you hugs across the miles.
My hand is always there – stretching to contact. I am ‘down on the knees of my heart’ praising your voice – to call satan when you see him. Our God is great and merciful and loves you so!!!
Thank you sweet friend! I know you’re always there…hugs!
This brings joy to my heart! So thankful satan is defeated so God can reach down and put His Everlasting arms around you and pull you OUT of the sand!!….May God pour His Blessings on this Girlfriend Adventure and may you and Mary come back refreshed with lots of wonderful stories to share!!
Love you!! Mom
Thanks Mom. I love you.
Wow, what a lot of adjustments you’ve had over the past couple of years, Melinda. No wonder a bit of depression came along with it. So glad to hear that you’re taking action, though. Hope you and Mary have the time of your lives!
Thanks for your sweet words, Cheryl. Hugs!
Oh, I am lived in the quicksand zip code…recently. It is so easy to sink into the marshy goo and totally retreat. It takes a concentrated effort and lots of prayer to pull yourself out. So glad you are starting the ascent out.
Thanks, lady, for your encouragement!
i’m still trying to figure all this out, and am more than just a little disappointed with the fact that i’ve know about this, the dates, and everything and it’s still not fitting into my calendar. i’m still working on it.. i want so badly to be a ‘sighting’ along the road ….and yet i know, if anyone will understand, it will be you. i’m so excited for you. you continue to be such an inspiration and if i don’t get to see you before laquinta, at least we will have that to look forward too! but i’m not giving up yet!! to the moon and back xoxoxo
You KNOW I’ll understand, but I love you for trying! It would be SO WELCOME a sight to see your face! xoxoxo back atcha!
You, girl, bless my socks off.