soul friends

People talk of "soul mates" - a couple that belongs together, was destined to be together. So can someone have "soul friends?" People that you are naturally drawn to? People that bring out the best in you? People that you can be yourself around, be (brutally) honest with, and enjoy many laughs with? I know it sounds cliche, but that's how we feel about our friends A&M. 


We met A&M at church about two years ago. We were trying out different churches at the time, and on this particular week, we found ourselves sitting behind them. They eagerly introduced themselves to us after the service, and even followed up with us midweek with a phone call. We sought them out at church week after week, getting to know each other gradually. It wasn't long before they invited us to their place for dinner, then we invited them to our wedding, and the rest is history. We all felt the beginnings of a strong friendship even from early on. We were eager to spend more time together in the years ahead!


Just a few months later, we bought a house within walking distance of A&M's! We couldn't wait to tell them our news, knowing they would share in our joy. So you can imagine our disappointment when on the very night we told them of our recent nearby purchase, A&M also had some news to share. They made a tough decision - to leave the area. They were given an exciting opportunity to partner with family and start a church plant in Syracuse, NY. Though our friendship was a big obstacle in their decision making, they felt God calling them elsewhere. Needless to say, the night was bittersweet. We supported their decision (of course) and were happy to hear about their new adventure, but definitely left in tears. I wondered why God would introduce us to such great friends if our time near each other was so brief? I admit that I was not a fan of God's timing and question it to this day.


But, the good news is that despite the distance between us, both couples have made a consistent effort to see each other on an almost every-other-month basis. We have a good streak going! All four of us look forward to our times together and make sure to plan them well in advance. Here are some pictures from our most recent weekend with A&M, when we biked across the George Washington Bridge and along the Hudson River in New York City:

I look forward to the next time we will be together with our "soul friends" and thankful for their friendship, even with the miles between us.