Crossroads - At The Intersection Of Yesterday And Tomorrow

Crossroads - At the Intersection of Yesterday and Tomorrow

I HAVE A NEW FRIEND in my life; her name is Terri. I just love this quick-witted gal who entered my world via one of my best guy friends (it appears he does, after all, have good taste in women). During dinner one evening with the boys, Terri shared a story with me about a very recent crossroads in her life. This one might have you, like me, turning on your blinker.

During her senior year in high school, Terri returned to the United States from Brazil when her father’s work assignment ended. What could have been an awkward, lonely time was instead fifty-two weeks of teenage bliss. This charismatic kid was quickly adopted by her fellow classmates in her suburban Michigan school. She formed an especially close friendship with a girl named Marny.

Terri and Marny became inseparable, and the term opposites attract clearly applied to this odd couple. Spirited, adventurous Terri taught Marny how to have fun (and not get caught); in return, the studious Marny introduced Terri to “the word of the week,” hoping to expand Terri’s vocabulary and heighten her interest in her schoolwork. I can just picture this “Oscar and Felix” team watching the boys from the bleachers (they did have that in common).

After graduation they went to their respective colleges, keeping in touch and visiting each other often. Then on one visit Terri got her feelings hurt. Fueled by jealousy, Terri allowed her immature reaction to an innocent mistake override their deep and dear friendship. Because she never revealed or honestly discussed the situation with Marny, Marny was left in the dark as to what had come between her and her best friend. Marny finally gave up and withdrew after Terri became unpredictable and irresponsible, often canceling plans with Marny at the last minute. Knowing she was being immature and hurtful, Terri said she still allowed her ego to trump truthfulness, never admitting that her feelings had been hurt or that she harbored a grudge.

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;joy fills hearts that are planning peace! (Proverbs 12:20)

Girlfriends, are you holding a hurt in your heart without even being honest with the person against whom you’re holding the grudge? Consider speaking the truth in love or letting it go.