Beautifully Unravelling: Letters to My Friends

Hi, how have you been? It’s the end of June and that means almost six months have passed in 2024, that’s over 150 days gone. I don’t know about you but that’s just crazy, I can still remember the first day of this year like it was yesterday. And yet, it wasn’t. Too many things have happened for it to have been yesterday and it also feels like not enough has happened for it to be six months in.

I remember someone saying that nothing is really new about a new year because in many ways, it’s just stepping into tomorrow to complete what you started yesterday. If it had been a couple of years ago, I probably would’ve argued because as a student, the year is always new indeed. The beginning of a new semester or term usually marked by new clothes, new hairstyle and a favourite, new provisions. But as an adult, I had to admit, sometimes, new year doesn’t really come with a new feel. It’s more about changing seasons and some years you can have multiple seasons and some years can be much quieter.

I started talking about the new year because in many ways, July is a mark of something new too. The halfway point, the last six months, the final half. My dear friend, I wanted to use this season to write to you and ask how you have been. I know life is busy and you may not always have the chance to pause and reflect but could you try doing that today. Really stop and ask, how am I doing?

For me, I’m doing okay. I’ve realised that ‘okay’ doesn’t mean everything is perfect but it does mean that I am in a good place. I feel like I have so many things to be grateful for including you. I’ve always felt that one of the greatest ways God has shown His love for me is by giving me amazing friends just like you. I mean the way you love me, cheer for me, pray for me, support me, and always show up for me is humbling.

I’ve been thinking of you lately. I remember all our conversations, I remember your dreams, I remember all the ways you’re waiting for God to show up for you, I remember the hurts, I remember your hope. I remember and my heart aches because oh, what I would give to give you all you want because you deserve it. I look at you and my tears mix with yours, my heart beats in rhythm with yours as your desires call out to you, I want for you what you want for you. With this remembrance comes helplessness though because no matter how much I want for you to have your heart’s desires, I can’t give them to you.

But what I can do is sit with you and hold your hands. So this is me saying, I am right here, counting down just like you are until you stand in your answers. Until then, let’s count your blessings, let’s remind ourselves of His track record, let’s celebrate with others and keep sight of hope, let’s hold on, let’s be ‘okay’.

So, how are you really? I hope you’re in a good place and as excited for second half like I am. If you aren’t, I’m sorry but you just have to be. Remember what I said about not really having a new feel? The cool thing about being an adult is that we have the power to create things and that’s exactly what we’re going to do. As we enter this new season, I’m desirous of starting afresh. That may look different to everyone. For me, it’s finding a way to read the paperback of all the books I love, finding a way to enjoy podcasts on YouTube Music now that Google Podcasts is gone – inserts crying emoji – and learning to find the joy in new dreams.

For a long time, I’ve had dreams of how I wanted my life to turn out but I’m learning that it’s okay to dream new dreams. So, what new thing are you going to do? A friend said she wanted to watch more movies and that’s a fantastic start for her. What you choose depends on where you are and starting something new may even mean revisiting something old that was a good thing you used to do.

How are you, really? When I don’t know what else to say I often ask God to give you a big hug for me. I hope you feel Him hugging you, I hope you are aware of His presence even now, making a way. I love you.

– To the last half.

Your best girl,

Fay.

P.S Your something new may be listening to this song ‘Make a Way’ by Elevation Worship.