Your tribe

Yesterday one of my best friends had a lunch for woman in her "tribe."  Woman who have had been there for her and who have made a difference in her life the last year or many years.  There were about 7 woman there, and while I knew of all of them, many of them I hadn't met yet.  She made us this delicious lunch, had her house clean and beautifully decorated, and a place set with a card and beautiful quote and frame for each of us.  We spent most of the time talking, but then she went around and told each person why she appreciated them and what they meant to her.  There were quite a few tears and tenderness and it was just beautiful.  
It was this beautiful picture of the body of Christ.  My friend Meredith who hosted, has become my closest friend, even though we've only known each other for less than two years.  But ironically, as close as we are we have lots of things that are different about our personalities.  Different interests, passions, gifts.  There are many ways we relate to each other, but listening to her thank these other woman, I am so glad she has them too.  There is another woman who is doing foster care just like her, which is something that while I can listen to, I can not understand how hard that journey is. Another woman there who is a mentor to her, and is there to give her advice in areas that I too could use lots of advice in.  Another who has been friends with her since she was little, so they have this long history of friendship.  Listening to her share about each woman there, all so so different, but all in a deep friendship with her.  It's amazing how God uses people in your life in different ways.  And when you look at them all together, all these different needs that are being met.   
I think all too often and probably much of my life, I have expected a lot out of certain friendships, and am often disappointed.  I think I expect one or even two relationships to satisfy me, and meet my needs or expectations, when I don't think anyone, myself included can fulfill that.  I can have one friend who is amazing at initiating things, another who is great to just laugh with, and another who I know I can count on for a deep conversation and encouragement.  It was a reminder to me that God can use lots of people in your life.  And all for different things.  Everyone is going to have strengths and weaknesses, but when we can look at the family of Christ, or your "tribe" of woman, all the different strengths that are represented.  
I kept thinking about what a special thing it was for her to do, and how nice it was to feel loved and appreciated.  I keep wondering what it would look like if everyone first of all had a "tribe" like that, and second of all if they told each other how thankful they were for each other.  I'm so thankful for a friend that modeled that so beautifully, and would love to do the same.