A Sweet Encounter

She did not see me standing outside watching her take orders at The Florida Cracker Cafe on St. George Street in St. Augustine. I knew immediately that it was her, Jamie my best friend that I had not seen in seventeen years. Her face and movement still so familiar. As teenagers we shared a love for long naps, peanut butter & marshmallow sandwiches, extra gum and apple Boone's Farm. I remember in sixth grade she told me that she did not want to be my b/f/f anymore. I was devastated because I had written on my shoes “Jamie and Jennifer B/F/F.” I loved those shoes, so we officially became “Jamie and Jennifer X/B/F/F!”

I entered the restaurant with my family with much anticipation as she was coming in from the patio. I could see her customers requests swirling through her head until she looked up and our eyes met. “I thought I was seeing a ghost! Jenny you look exactly the same!” Both of us now momma's in our 30's each dawning a woman figure. We sat in her section, I taking the isle chair so I could touch her each time she'd walk by. Our eyes continuing to meet accompanied by teenage grins.

I have such an infinity in my heart for her. I can see in her eyes that she has cried many tears. Each of us having that in common. It was strange having her be our waitress! She did not mind tho. She flowed effortlessly table to table with such grace. My friend works hard. We did not engage in profound conversation during lunch. Our eyes spoke plenty penetrating the heart of one another. She and I hugged tightly as I exited back onto St. George Street as I had arrived. She kissed my right hand and traveled back to the patio where I first saw her. Our short encounter coming to an end announcing the beginning of the next chapter.

God, I pray that you are in pursuit of my precious x/b/f/f/. I want her to experience you enveloping and seeping into her as I have. I desire to be a pure and clean vessel with your aroma flowing through me onto her. A fragrant vessel captivating the senses. Lead her to your still waters where refuge is found beneath the cover of your protective wings. Draw her into your presence never letting her go.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.