I'm part of a writing group that meets formally for a weekend only once a year, and some fortunate members of our group meet at conferences between our annual retreats. Next weekend will be our tenth year and we'll travel from Tennessee, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to Maryland. Through a flurry of emails, we joyfully anticipate reconnecting, especially during the month preceding our meeting.

Eleven years ago we didn't know each other, except for two of the women, and considering our physical distance, it's a beautiful thing as we each arrive and fill each other's love tanks with hugs, encouragement, laughter, compassion, prayers and gift giving. Even though we're all Christians, our love for writing and words binds us in a different way than with other friends or family members.

Our time together is priceless and I thank God for connecting us here on earth and for eternity.