At the beginning of school, the teachers were assigned to teams for team building activities. There was one particular person who immediately caught my attention. I tried my best to avoid her. She made me uncomfortable because she was so direct. Her voice could be heard from anywhere and she could easily draw attention to herself or those around her. I have always done my best to stay away from any type of spotlight. I would like to refer to her as sandpaper. Her words, when applied, are rough and painful, but the end result is a smooth and seamless product.

Later, I found out that we have things in common, for instance, our love of Joyce Meyer. We both attended the Relentless Women’s Conference in October of 2008. Out of 20,000 women in attendance, I ran into her. Now tell me that is not divine connection! That was the turning point of our relationship. She began sharing her Joyce Meyer teaching tapes with me. I would listen to them during my two hour commute to work. The tapes have changed me for the better and I have grown to rely on my friendship with her. Every morning before the kids arrive, she always pops in to say hello. She motivates me and reminds me that God is with me at all times.

Even though I was not too keen on the idea of spending time with her, God knew better. Sometimes the things that we resent, avoid the most, end up being the best thing that could have ever happened to us. Do you have any sandpaper relationships? If so, are you getting the result you need?