The Beauty of Unexpected Friendships

Style

Feb 2

Written By Candace Read

It’s funny to think that as life changes, so do your friendships and relationships with others. To be honest, I don’t think that is something that most of us like to think about. However, it is a simple reality of life. While this season of life can be brutally painful, it is also amazingly wonderful to see what new friendships come to the surface.

Just a few short years ago, I met this gal through our church named Mikayla . I’m pretty sure she was 15 years old at the time. While we did spend time together during her younger years, there’s no doubt about it, I never thought that nearly 5 years later she would be one of my closest friends. Heck, forget about friend, she’s practically an honorary little sister. What’s most interesting is that our friendship and sisterhood truly blossomed within the last year and a half. It’s friendships like the one that I have with Mikayla, that proves the beauty of the unexpected. Throughout the course of our life, we encounter others without the slightest clue of truly knowing how they will impact our lives. Shortly before Mikayla and I began to grow close in our friendship, one of my closest friendships came to an end. It was totally unexpected, but seemingly God had strategically orchestrated this entire timeline and knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it.

I share all of this to say, welcome unexpected change in your friendships! While it can be challenging to welcome the unexpected, you have no clue what beauty may be on the other side. So this year, for National Hug Day and Valentine’s Day, I’m excited to celebrate you Mikayla! Thank you for your unwavering support, your kindness, your honesty and most importantly, your love. You are truly one in a million and I’m blessed to call you a friend!

To celebrate, I gifted Mikayla a few pieces from LOFT’s Valentine’s Collection, which was released just a short while ago! I even picked up a few pieces for myself. Lots of darling things for Valentine’s Day that will also transition perfectly into Spring! Our plan was to explore downtown Columbus a bit further (all dressed up, because we are extra), but seemingly Mother Nature had other plans, as it rained. Rather than being moved, we simply grabbed some local coffee, danced in the rain and made the best of the situation! Without question, we do unexpected well!

Cheers to friendships, lots of hugs and lots of love! Still on the hunt for the perfect gift for your gal pal? Check out LOFT’s Valentine’s Collection, as I’m certain they will have the most perfect gift for HER!

Get The Look:

MIKAYLA:

CANDACE: