Lessons Learned

 

Today my mother decided we were going into town to get our nails done.

As a struggling, jobless 22 year old, I wasn’t going to turn her down on this fantastic offer {even though I had to get up early}

We arrived in town around 10:00 {this is early to me…}

I was sort of in a grumpy mood since my mother and I hadn’t been getting along the best in the past couple of days {and of course, since I didn’t get to sleep in}

But, I thought this could be good for us.

Some mother daughter bonding over the aromas of acrylic and ethyl acetate – PERFECT!

As we walked into the nail salon, I went straight for the rainbow of colors lined perfectly in order against the wall.

I began deciphering through the many shades of blues and greens until I picked out three candidates.

Walking over to my mother to request her opinion on which hue, I glanced to my right at the object moving in the pedicure massage chair.

To my surprise, I recognized the girl and waved awkwardly at her forming a shy smile.

I turned my attention back to my mother who was giving me an impish smile.

“I like this color the best,” my mother said as she pointed to the shimmery teal color.

I agreed and hurried back to the waiting area with my desired nail polish, never looking back at the girl in the pedicure station.

As I took my seat in the waiting area, I couldn’t help but think about the past history between me and this girl.

Starting high school, we became best friends.

We had almost every class together.

I took her on vacation with me in the summer.

We did everything together.

We were like two peas in a pod.

As the years went on, we grew farther and farther apart.

I honestly don’t remember the collapse of our friendship.

All I remember is leaving for college and going our separate ways.

We remained friends on facebook so I was able to keep up with the progression of her life {or what was posted on the internet}

We went to different universities.

She met someone, got engaged, married, had a baby.

You know, the things you’re supposed to do as you get older.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard the most adorable baby giggling.

I gaze over to see this girl’s sister sitting in the waiting area, holding a beautiful baby boy.

I make small talk, asking how hold he is, being as courteous as I can.

Her sister, polite as ever, responded with small talk, asking how I was doing.

Our conversation was suspended as the girl walked over to the drying station {which is in the middle of the waiting area} and took her seat.

She smiled at me timidly as her sister walked her precious baby boy to her.

As she took him in her arms, the baby boy lit up with a smile.

It was apparent that he loves his mother as she does him.

She turned her attention to me and asked how I was doing.

I reciprocated telling her I just moved back home and how I was thrilled to be moving back in with my parents.

She agreed and chuckled saying she knows how I feel.

She then congratulated me on Taylor’s accomplishment of being drafted and asked how the distance was going.

I told her that it’s hard, but we’re giving this a shot.

And then I heard my named called.

It was time for my pedicure to begin.

I told her it was nice seeing her and how beautiful her baby boy was.

She thanked me and smiled at her bundle of joy.

As I sat in my massage chair and my feet in the warm water, I realized something.

She’s not the same girl she was 8 years ago.

For whatever reason our friendship ended way back when, that was in the past now.

She was humble.

I smile inwardly.

All my past acquisitions about this girl have gone out the door.  

And I know God is trying to tell me something.

He’s telling me I can learn something from this girl.

I need to be more humble.

Be thankful for all that I have.

A loving mother who wants to take me to get my nails done.

A loving father who wants me to succeed in life – in all that I do.

A loving boyfriend who supports me in every aspect of my life.

A loving puppy that comforts me in times when I need her the most.

And two loving brothers who would move mountains for me if I’d ask.

I am one blessed little girl.

I need to remember that more often.

Until next time…