Add Some Spice

If variety is the spice of life, then our writer's group is salsa! Over a month ago at our meeting, I finished reading the devotion just sent out today and sat back to receive thoughtful feedback. We talked a little about structure, and then Dara (the cutie in yellow) said, "But Amy, I don't think what you wrote is true. You're friends with me."

I sat stunned for a second, almost not comprehending what she meant. Finally, it dawned on me that Dara was pointing out our most obvious difference. You see, Dara was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. She has a set of daily physical challenges that make us different.

I looked at the rest of the group. The diversity of our ages, from 26 to 74, and our backgrounds make us different, but after a while all that fades away. Our love for Jesus and writing unite us, and a deep love has developed between us.

Here's a little of what Dara and I have learned about friendship and differences:

Question: How do you think we’re alike?

Dara: We both like being around people and having a good time and talking. We’re not afraid to share struggles with each other.

Amy: We both love to laugh, but we also both love meaningful conversations and going deep with people. We both love Facebook. We’re both girly girls--not too prissy, though. We both love our Sun. school class.

Question: How do you think we’re different?

Dara: I have some physical challenges. I’m not married…yet. I don’t have any children… yet. I think you have it a little more figured out what you’re doing next in life. Maybe I’m wrong about that. I don’t know.

Amy: You're quieter than me and more introspective in a good way. You're a very deep thinker. You know how much Barry loves your Facebook posts because of how thoughtful and deep they are! I know that getting around and doing some simple things are much more difficult for you than they are for me. I think that's made you a very strong person.

Question: Why do you think our friendship works so well?

Dara: Because we’re not afraid to share. I’ve told you all the things that bother me. You love me despite my differences and challenges. My challenges don’t bother you anymore, and I don’t have to question your motives. Sometimes people have said that they only talk to me because they feel sorry for me, so it always makes me wonder about people at first.

Amy: I think that the fact that we're both Jesus Girls is a huge factor. We were joined at the heart from the beginning. You're a tremendous blessing to me, my friend! You're easy to talk to and spread joy wherever you go.

Dara and I would love to hear about your friendship with someone who is different than you that have changed and enriched your life.

Also, Same Kind of Different as Me was the book that inspired my devotion today. If you haven't read it, give it to yourself for Christmas. If you have, give it to somebody else!