Bridge & Sisterhood

Bridge means different things to different people.

The reason many groups get together is because it is all about the game. Knowing all the conventions.  Being quiet while playing.  Two people keeping score.  This is fun to them.

Bridge means something entirely different to my group.  We use bridge as a chance to get together weekly & play some bridge on the side.   

This is my group:  Linda, Charlene, me, Ginger & Shirley.

{They gave me a going away party last week.  Like I wrote, we do more than bridge.}

Our group is very unusual for many reasons:

              1.  There are 5 & not the usual 4 members in the group.

              2.  Our ages spans 4 decades.   

                    I'm the baby-56 yr, two are 66 yr, one is 76 yr & one 96 yr.

                    Notice we all in the #6.

              3.  It might take 2 to 3 hrs to make a rubber.  

                   {That's bridge talk.}

 I was asked to join the group by the oldest member about 6 or 7 years ago.  I hardly knew anything about the game, but I was excited about learning it.  At that time it was all about the GAME, but God had other plans for me.

When I began playing, these women were used to playing from 1:00 - 5:00 pm or later.  I thought this was unreal.  I could see playing 2 or maybe 3 hr, tops.  Also, when I got the bid, I didn't want anyone to talk because I would loose concentration.  I thought they were pros.  They could talk & play, stop while playing a hand & pick right up where they left off.  I prayed many times that I wouldn't get the bid for fear I would have to play the hand, then loose.  I would be shaking in my boots.

Then one day I felt within my spirit the Lord telling me, "You are here for more than the game bridge.  There is too much wisdom in this room.  Relax & learn."  This was so true.  Yes, I have learned a little bridge, but I have gained valuable, deep friendships a long the way.  God gave me much more than my hearts desire.

BRIDGE SISTERHOOD
              1.  It is a safe group.  That means we can share anything & it will stay in that room.
              2.  We know each others hearts.
              3.  We are there for each other through the different seasons of our lives.
              4.  We laugh until we cry; we cry until we laugh; we talk, talk, talk; eat; share;
                   celebrate any chance we can get; we learn from each others lives; & pray together.
              5.  We are true sisters in the Lord & I love each of these women.

Of all the activities I have done & the people that I have met in Highlands, this group is at the top of my list.  I know this type of friendship doesn't come by often.  I know I will make new friends in AR {my next season of life}, but it will never take the place of what God has put together.  This has been a God thing & we all know it.

I am grateful to God & Charlene, who asked me to join the group.  Looked what I would have missed if she had not reached out to me.  Thank you!

Thank you dear Ladies.  {This title I give sparingly.  They are truly ladies in my book.}

I will miss you.

                 ann :)