Best Friends

Nothing speaks friends like “potjiekos” (stew in cast iron pot on the fire) with a fresh baked “mealie bread” (corn bread).

Meeting with friends for the first time in almost 2yrs after the first day of lockdown, was like medicine for my soul. I’ve always been okay to be alone. Do my own thing and not be bothered if it was with someone or without.  But when the call came, Lientjie (my nickname) venison potjie on Sunday at 1pm?  My fingers typed YES please faster than one can say the words.

I decided that I will make a little mealie loaf to take along. Now I have to admit. This would have been one of my first attempts.

I can almost hear the fellow South Africans gasp in unbelief! Yes ladies, this Porra (Portuguese) child has never baked one. I suppose never to late to try?

Meeting up and catching up with my Best Friend. My very wise friend I might add. I had a moment to think how life has brought us together and how much I value her in my life. She knows me better than what I do myself. She is my pink tutu girl with pom-poms forever cheering me on. I can always turn to her, my confidant and the one that really sees me.

It hits home how life today, has changed lives across the world. The once almost carefree days of getting together sharing a meal, laughter and building memories became something to treasure with a snap of a finger.

We all have endured much. No one can walk away and say we have not been affected by the things of the world. Have we taken the time to reflect and look for the good this has brought?  I can’t say that I really have.

Do we take that jacket of “woe is me” and put it on or do we make choices in present moments to adapt and find new meaning in times when we feel cut off  from reality.

Yes I know. This thread has most probably been heard before by you. Perhaps you have even uttered the same to someone you know. I guess I’m preaching to myself as well.

My question is. How do we find the good in the bad?  How do we rise above the chaos that reigns? I do believe that answer will snap into place when we realize who created us. Getting a bit spiritual here but bear with me. This is something that is important to me.

When God created us, we got this special stamp. Not the made in China ones. But the one that says this is Mine!

Can’t  we just take a moment here? Someone so great, so wonderful decided to make me.

He chose my hair color. He designed the shape of my eyes. He planted each little hair follicle. Weaving together the smallest cells together to create me. You! All of us. If my earthly dad was Elvis Presley I can guarantee you! You would walk around with that badge proudly displaying the fact! You will have this air around you. Make way Presley’s kid is coming.

If we carry that Air of importance in us. No matter what the world throw at us, You will walk straight up to every bad thing happening and say make way! Jesus’s kid is coming your way!

God valued me so much that He made the way for me to visit a dear friend. I appreciated this gift so much and it struck me even more, my position as His daughter. When we see the good in bad things we realize how God also is our pom-pom carrying, tutu wearing cheerleader.

That my darlings! Is how we conquer the world and everything life throw at us. No pandemic. No sickness. No Financial issue will stand in your way! You hold the power in you! When you know what stamp you carry.