Special Blessings

I've had the privelege of being part of an accountability group with some other women from my church.  I have to admit that it is quite hard for me to open up in groups and let everything out although I have certainly been trying.  I have also, recently, had issues with feeling as though I have had a hardened heart.  I make the excuse that life has changed me and I am not the same person that I use to be.  Although that is partly true, it is no excuse to allow myself to harden to my own, or others situations.  That is why this group has been such a blessing to me. 
I started this group with that hardened heart.  I felt numb during the session letting things pass in one ear and out the other.  Not that I didn't care, but more like I couldn't care.  I didn't feel that it was in me anymore. 
For some reason that has suddenly changed.  The women are no longer just women, or even friends, they have become comrades in every aspect of life.  They are challenged in the same ways as I am and with the help of each other, we learn how to turn it over to Christ, how to conquer and sometimes how to just let it go.  We share very intimate information about ourselves, about our pasts knowing that we will not be judged but will be prayed for and encouraged throughout the situation.  The encouragement seems to extend past the meeting, with quick little emails, notes and phone calls as a reminder that we are never alone in our journey.
Our journeys have all had bumpy roads, slippery slopes and sometimes even dead ends where we must go back and take another road, but knowing that these women are there to help me, encourage me, and remind me that God's love never fails is such a reassurance and a definite heart softener. 
Today I wrote a heartfelt thank-you to someone.  The words were not forced but came freely and eagerly.  I no longer consider these ladies strangers, acquaintances, or even friends.  They are companions on a road that we are all traveling and striving to please God with each step we take.  Thanks ladies!