I Joined a Group

I joined a group.  I am not a group joiner.  I don't play well with others, I kick sand, I run with scissors.  I may even eat paste.  No, I don't eat paste.  I don't join groups.  I don't participate.
I joined a group.  I love it!  I was on the fence about this group for weeks.  Not because of who was in the group or even the type of group, I just didn't know if it was the place for me.  That is my self esteem talking, or rather, my occasional lack of self esteem.  I didn't really know if the group wanted me.  I needed some convincing. 
My first indication that I belonged in this group was when I thought about bringing treats back from London for them.  If I associate chocolaty goodness with something, then it is probably a
'meant to be'.  But really, is chocolaty treats the right reason to devote oneself to every Monday night for the next four months? 
I was still just not sure.  But chocolaty treats were hauled across the Atlantic so I was going to stick this out.
I cannot go into a lot of the details of this group.  It is not like we are the Masons, or anything super creepy like that.  The History Channel will not be producing a conspiracy show based on our rituals or our symbols hidden in the dollar bill or government monuments (though it would be a fascinating show).  But it is the kind of group that isn't really understood unless you've been there, ya know what I mean.  But needless to say, it is pretty sweet!
What strikes me most about these women is their incredibly generosity with their patience, their understanding, their compassion.  I feel like I am safe there.  Maybe because they haven't always known me, my drama is new and interesting.  I don't know what it is exactly, but when the evening draws to a close, I am sorry.
If you believe in the Lord, then this next part will make sense.  If you don't believe in the Lord, then this next part will sound a little hokey.  I have been provided for with these women.  I am guaranteed a weekly gathering of hugs, and treats, and learning and a new kind of unconditional love.  Throughout life, some kind of outside element has provided me with friends, the neighborhood, the school, the military, the kids, the job.  This is the first time that I walked alone into a room without anything in common with them except faith.  Though I know that the Lord has provided me with every one of my friends, this is the first time that I have sought a friendship because of the Lord. 
In two weeks it will be my turn to bring treats.  I will bring the covenant chocolates, as I know call them.  Because like Noah and the rainbow, these treats are my promise to this group to see us all through.  There is an end date to the formal structure of this group, but I pray that there is no end date to the getting together.  Prior to this, I could count my good friends without ever taking off my shoes.  And now I have tripled that number.
Remember that old song, Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other, gold.  That is what I am feeling here today.  Blessed beyond measure to have so many women in my life that are a friend to me, in spite of me.