Serendipitous Sisterhood

Sisterhood is serendipitous. The joy of feeling understood and the serenity of a safe place make friendships a vital part of our well being. God has blessed me with three amazing sisters. Throughout the years, we have shared toys and joys, tears and fears, and have made memories to last a lifetime. We cheer each other on and hold each other up. The bond we share, I pray, is unbreakable.

The connection between a mother and her daughter is a sisterhood all its own. My mom is my biggest fan, my most ferocious defender, and a soft, safe place to land when life throws me a sucker punch. My daughter is my absolute best friend. Her fairness is matched only by her inner beauty. She is my "go to" girl.  Our relationship blossoms as the years pass and she continues to grow.

My blessings of sisterhood,though, do not end there. Crossing paths with other women as the seasons of life transitioned one to the next has produced treasured memories and lessons learned. As a young girl in a small town, fun with the neighborhood girls ranged from kickball and hiking to pajama parties and dress-up. My teen years were an ebb and flow of fickle friendships and firsts, as well as tests and triumphs. The relationships that formed into adulthood have become some of my most valuable. The almost daily interaction with these select few women truly enhance my life. I get them. They get me.

I did however find a "friend void" in my early forties. While most of my peers were through raising their small children, I still had three under age 6. The need for support and understanding from other stay at home moms who shared the daily struggles and joys that accompany this role kept creeping in.

When my church announced that they were starting a MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers group at our church, I was delighted! But then I realized how much older than most I would probably be! Still, I stepped out of my comfort zone and made plans to attend. As I walked from the car into the church, I was sure I had made a mistake. A mini panic attack followed by a little pep talk to myself resulted in a timid entrance into the meeting room. There I was welcomed with warm smiles and easy conversation. I was home. That first meeting was the beginning of a four year love affair between me and MOPS! I became involved with their newsletter, eventually becoming the Publicity girl. After 2 years, I became the Coordinator. It has been a joy and a privilege. These are some of my last weeks as a MOPS member. What developed between that first meeting and now is like nothing I have experienced before. Sisterhood on a different level. The friendships that have been forged in these past four years are some of the deepest I've ever had. When you have a room full of Jesus loving, child rearing, hormone raging souls, you have the most genuine band of prayer warriors a girl could ask for. You have support. You have a safe place. That is what MOPS has been for me. I am a better mom, wife and friend because in 1973, eight women dared to seek out the same kind of relationships. A sisterhood unlike any other. I love my MOPS family; moms and mentors. I will be forever thankful to God for this group . I have a stronger relationship with Jesus because of MOPS. Each and every one of "my girls" has touched my life. I pray God continues to bless them and hold them up.

                        Motherhood is a gift to be treasured and
                                sisterhood makes it even sweeter.