Once we graduated, everyone moved to different places all the way from Tennessee to Idaho. Since we are so spread out, weddings and showers are the only places we usually get to see each other and catch up. A few weeks ago we were able to get together for our dear friend, Christen's baby (!!!!) shower. Since Christen is the first to have a baby, we decided to get pictures taken to document this stage of life. These will be so fun to look back on in twenty years!
The soon to be mama, Christen. Can't wait to meet Baby Shaffer!
It's weird to think we are all in our mid twenties now. (#yikes) One day we're all on the same page, studying for finals, applying for jobs, planning weddings (for some of us - not me LOL) and then suddenly we're graduating, moving to new cities, starting new jobs, getting married and not having the "next semester" of life planned out. It's been two and half years since we graduated and every time we get together, it's like we were never apart. I don't know how I managed to get such wonderful friends, but I'm so glad the Lord saw fit to cross our paths.
I've learned a thing or two in the past couple of years on how to keep up friendships after college (not without a bit of trial and error, though).
-Make it a point to call or text frequently // Set up a phone date once a month or send a text telling your friend that you're thinking of them and your latest news. Group texting is also a great way to keep up with more than one friend at a time!
-Plan a reunion // Pick a long weekend and plan a fun little getaway or even just an evening for dinner in a central location to catch up!
-Send them snail mail // I love getting a handwritten note from a friend unexpectedly. One of my goals is to be better about this one. Plus, it gives me the perfect excuse to get some cute stationery ;)
-Share an activity // Start an informal book club or Netflix show and share your favorite parts via text.
-Love each other regardless // Life gets busy. Sometimes months will go by and I won't have called, texted, or had any contact with some of my friends before I realize how much time has passed. It's okay. We could all use a little grace. If they're true friends, they will totally understand.
A friend of mine shared this quote the other day and I thought it was perfect.
"In friendship we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years' difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another...the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting--any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," can truly say to every group of Christian friends, "Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another." The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others."
-C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
Stay sunny,
Katie
Photos: Sydney Young Photography
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