I was not ready for summer.  I am never ready for triple digits and the humidity factor we experience in the heart of Texas.  Around these Waco parts, we have had a nice spring—“coolish” and some actual rain, believe it or not.  I have discovered is doesn’t rain much in Waco. However, the past few days have been dry, hot, and windy.  Must be that southerly breeze streaming up from Mexico.  The seven day forecast is a steady row of 90’s. The ceiling fans are on in every room, too.  Yet, it’s a comin—let me rephrase that.  Yep, it’s here. Summer.

My summer begins tomorrow with the last class of some of my favorite women in the whole world.  We meet the Lord on Tuesdays.  Our Ladies’ Bible Class will take a summer hiatus, and then we shall resume our studies of women of the Bible in September.  I have always loved Ladies’ Bible Class.  The combination of women, kindred spirits, and the desire to know what God wants from His daughters is unbeatable.

Our class loves the challenge of difficult topics, complex characters, and life changing lessons from our Father in heaven.  Our resource is the Bible—our rock, guide, and anchor in all of life’s storms.  When we desire to walk with God, we go to His Word.  When we are deep in the despairs of a crisis, we go to His Word.  When it seems we are all alone and no one cares, we learn from His Word that he still cares and loves us.  For some strange reason—that I will never understand—God never gives up on us.

The sisterly bond that started out as a little seed has grown tremendously each Tuesday. Through the years we have laughed hilariously together and cried together—and prayed for one another.  Real tears have poured down our faces—young and old – as we shared our troubles, sorrows, and learned to “bear one another’s burden.”  We now have a full grown love for each other – more kind and understanding and loving than it was before.  More forgiving and tolerant, too.  I like to think it is because we girls are starting to look like our Father—the one who made us all.  Surely there is a family resemblance growing and changing us from within.

I can see Jesus in so many faces gathered around the tables in our special classroom.  We are a beautiful group, in my opinion.  Different sizes, ages, and faces-but the same love for the Lord and His Word in each heart.  How wonderful to behold each one of us grasp a new concept or learn a new meaning of an old, beloved, verse of comfort!  Or to find a hidden treasure in a Biblical account that we “thought” we knew well.  His Word never ceases to amaze any of us, and we stand in awe of this Father of ours.

Bless us all, O Lord.  May You see Your face and light in us.  There is no greater blessing in all of this world than being Your daughter.  And, Lord, thank you for my sisters.  Thank you for this family.

–By Becky Blackman