Take a chance

Over the last week the fate of Sarah Harkins has played on my mind a lot. Strange especially because I didn’t know her but having heard (read) her story from Ginny, her fate has touched something deep within my heart. I find myself often just thinking & praying for Ginny and Sarah’s family at this very difficult time in their lives. It’s rare that I am being touched by ‘strangers’ in such a way but some people are meant to touch our lives for a reason and I think that Sarah was such a person, or else her fate would have not impacted me this much.

This past weekend I read through Sarah’s online blog and came across a post that talked about making new friends. Those who know me, know how much I struggle with that part. I am what I call socially awkward. I am not a social butterfly and meeting new people or just walk up to people and introducing myself is not my cup of tea. I enjoy a close circle of friends and crave afternoon or evenings spend at each others house, talking about god and the world without being judged for who I am. Unfortunately those few very good friends are back in the UK while I am in Germany. My best friend is in Durham,UK and while we e-mail and talk often, I miss being in her company. Having moved here two years ago this August, I have one good friend that I have known since childhood and who is still close to me. Everyone else I know is more like acquaintances, you walk into each other, talk a little while and then meet again somewhere else a few month later. Over the last few weeks, I figured that something needs to change but I wasn't entirely sure what to do in order to find more friends. I just knew that god would show me the way when the time is right and he did.

Sarah’s post from a few years ago (and Ginny’s yesterday) showed me that others are struggling with the concept of making new friends as much as I am. It showed me that sometimes it just takes the courage to take a chance and introduce yourself to someone and a beautiful friendship will blossom from it. If there is one thing I learned from Sarah it’s that it's always worth going out on a limb, to move out of your comfort zone and to reach out to other people, you never know they might just be in the same situation. Thanks for showing me this little lesson in life Sarah.

PS:  The Sarah Harkins memory anchors have been created as a way to both remember Sarah, and support her husband Eric and their four beautiful children.