8. I’ve Got This Friend
8
I’VE GOT THIS FRIEND
THE CIVIL WARS
Dear Mood Music,
I looked forward to a note from you all weekend. I honestly felt like I was counting down the days until I could get back here to see your response. It’s been a busy week, but better. Confusing and distracting but… better.
I’ve prayed for years now about how to move on from a particular distraction in my life. Only, the more I pray, the more it seems to be even more present in every facet of my life.
My freetime. Church service. Where I work… (How’s that for vague?)
I can’t escape it—like the hurdle you mentioned before—and if I’m honest, I’m not sure I want to escape it. I don’t know where to go from there, though. And I’m finding it increasingly difficult to decipher between what I want and what God wants for me in light of that distraction. It feels like my heart and my mind can’t get on the same path together.
Do you know the song “Firm Foundation”? From the first time that I heard that song, the lyrics always resonated in my heart. I want my foundation to be so strong in Christ that I don’t feel shaken or unsteady, because my faith is in Him and not myself or my own strength. Easier said than done, but that’s been my prayer lately. I know He hasn’t and He won’t fail to be faithful, to guide me, to lead me down the right path—but I’m leaning into that truth more than I ever have before.
So, I appreciate those prayers, Mood Music. More than you know. And I want you to know, I’m praying for you, too.
Dancing? Hmmm… weirdly poignant question. I don’t remember the last time I danced, but I remember the last time I wanted to. However, for whatever reason, the song isn’t what comes to the forefront of my mind. (Hello, distraction.)
So I’m gonna go with a few classics.
What if I call it, songs that make me wanna fist pump?
Total and complete honesty time (because we are official pen pals now). It doesn’t matter what it is as long as Justin Bieber is singing it. I can’t believe I just admitted that to you… and anyone else that comes across this note.
What’s yours, and why is it “Dancing Queen”? I’m probably gonna need you to fess up to something else embarrassing so I don’t lose sleep over the Beiber thing. Make it good.
Until next time,
MM
Melody Man,
Your last letter may have been my favorite! Justin Beiber?! We’d surely be friends in real life. I just know it. And *sigh* … “Dancing Queen” is my number one song to dance to. Am I that predictable? It’s just every girl’s anthem, ya know?! I love it.
I need to come up with a secret that will really shock you so here goes…
I’m a clean freak.
Like—next level—organize my sock drawers ( and all the others ) by color or frequency of wear. I wipe down my kitchen at least ten times a day. (I work from home so I spend a lot of time there.) Sometimes I even stock up on new cleaning products in other towns so no one I know will see. It’s basically my secret shame, and now you know.
If you could see me, I’m every shade of red right now.
I love “Firm Foundation”! My favorite line is when it says “I’ve never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus”... and that I know I’m never alone—not really. That He is faithful and good and near… I needed that reminder. Thank you.
There have been a few times in my life where I felt like I didn’t know which direction to take or I wasn’t sure I was in the center of God’s will. What if I made a mistake? What if God had something else waiting for me, but I chose the first option that came along because it was easy/available/what I wanted? What if…
But my mama (who is more wise than people give her credit for) gave me some sound advice that has always stuck with me. It’s Matthew 6:33.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Are you seeking Christ? Do you love Him with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength? When we know God… truly know Him… our knowledge of Him helps guide those decisions where we don’t know whether we can trust our hearts. Trust Him, my friend… my Melody Man. He knows.
I’m praying for you and for the clarity you need.
Mood Music
Dear Mood Music,
I took your advice and talked to my friends. It was hard and awkward and a little uncomfortable, but I told them everything. They’ve felt like family for a long time… even if they drive me kind of crazy… which is how families are supposed to operate (or so I’m told), and I’ve missed spending time with them. I’m trying to do better. Make some changes. And just… be present, even when I feel like a bit of a mess inside.
In the past, I dealt with some deep-seated anxiety and abandonment… things… issues… whatever you want to call it. I was in therapy as a kid and worked through a bunch of those feelings, but it wasn’t until I started following Christ that I really understood that I didn’t have to walk through those tough times alone. And it felt as if God gave those two dorky teenagers to me as a gift. They drove me crazy half the time—still do—but they stayed. Ya know? They stuck around with me, and things got better.
Anyways, they’ve since gotten married and started their own lives, and I’m so happy for them. Like… I get to be an uncle to their beautiful kids and watch their lives take off, and sometimes I can’t believe it. How far we’ve all come. But then other times, I feel like I’m on the outside looking in, and I don’t know where that leaves me.
Anyways, I took them both to our favorite coffee shop, stuffed them full of sugar and carbs, and told them everything I just told you.
And, I guess that I wanted you to know that your advice made a difference.
And thank you for sharing your mama’s advice, too. I needed that reminder. I’m going to tape that verse somewhere I’ll see it and trust that God will make the way clear.
Okay, so…
Jan mentioned—between her nagging me to pick something to take home or telling me to get a new hobby—that she might be DJing the Bicentennial Homecoming Festival in Sugartree in a few weeks. Not sure if you’re familiar with Sugartree, but wouldn’t it be crazy if we were there, listening to what has got to be the most eclectic playlist ever created (if Jan is to be trusted), and we were together?
All that to say… maybe we should meet. Do you want to?
Leaving you with this country classic, in my top five for sure, and hoping you’ll say yes… “Check Yes or No” by George Strait.
Hopefully, I’ll see you soon,
Melody Man