In praise of women

I attended a women's event at church recently - Girlzone - and haven't had a chance yet to process all my thoughts and feelings following it. However one thing that struck me was the different kind of freedom that I experienced from worshipping and encountering the Holy Spirit without any men around. I'm not saying that I'm not free when the 'boys' are there but it was just different. As a single girl I do want to be in a relationship and am hopeful that a suitable man will appear on the scene soon but following such a thought provoking conference I am mindful that I must not get so distracted by boys and the prospect of romantic love that I forget the value of my female friends.
My regular chats with the inspiring DM, talking about the LORD, life and trivialities in equal measure, the joy of having ML back in the country who makes me laugh out loud so regularly, having the charming CS round for dinner last week and having time to talk, writing to the lovely JG and the excitement of her coming back to the UK soon and the unexpected surprise of hanging out with the most excellent BS in between the 'double whammy' of church services on Sunday evening and chatting to her. These are just a few of the amazing women in my life, and I do value and appreciate them but I must not take them for granted.
Whatever happens in life, whoever I end up marrying, these women and others will be important in my journey. They can affirm me in a way that a man cannot, they are gifts from God to encourage, challenge and sustain me. I only hope that I can be as positive a presence for them as they are for me.