Beautiful...inside out

They meet at a favorite, cozy coffee shop.
They look all put together. So beautiful. Gorgeous. Stunning.
They have spent time to look presentable for the occasion.
They are so excited to see each other as it been years since they have been all together.
They hug.
Order their favorite flavour of coffee and grab a seat.
They are smiling, reaching forward to listen to each other's stories of their days.
There is laughter. There is joy.
In the midst of the evening, they begin sharing what is on their mind.
They feel safe as these friendships have been together through thick and thin, wedding bells and many locations and children.
One thing you notice as look at the table, these women are so in love with Jesus.
They desire to do His will yet they are all in different places in their lives.
They keep sharing, listening, supporting and prayerfully remembering each other's burdens.
These lovely ladies, that look so put together have heavy hearts and running mascara.
They share their hearts and the friends cry along with them.
They ask questions, offer tissues and show they care in words and emotions.
There were times of silence and times of many words.
Soon the lights turn out and music stops, the shop is closing and it is time to leave.
They walk towards the door, arm in arm, with hugs and knowing that not one of them is alone.
They walk to their cars, driving away until their next coffee date.
They have shared their pain and fears, open their hearts to the raw reality of their lives.
Something else is noticeable too...they are being Jesus to each other. In the midst of their own pain, they care for each other.
They hold each other accountable and leave knowing that they are being prayed for.
It is beautiful.