Wherever We Land

When I think about what truly matters in a friendship—what has sustained the closest relationships in my life—it all comes back to one powerful, unshakable quality: honesty wrapped in trustworthiness.

From a young age, I realized that laughter, shared interests, and even time spent together can fade or shift as life changes. But the friends who remain close to your heart, no matter the season, are the ones you can trust with your truth and who offer their truth in return. That kind of honesty forms a deep foundation that doesn’t crack under pressure.

I’ve been blessed with two best friends in this life who have embodied this rare quality.

The first came into my life in grammar school. We were just kids then—sharing snacks, stories, and secrets between classes. But even at that young age, I remember feeling safe with her. She told the truth, even when it wasn’t convenient. She stood by her word, even when it cost her popularity or ease. She taught me that a true friend doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear—they tell you what you need to hear, with love. Our bond was built on truth and trust, and to this day, I still treasure what she added to my life.

The second best friend is the one I share my life with now—my husband, Snatcher.

Marriage can be many things, but at its core, I believe it’s a friendship, and Snatcher is my very best friend. His honesty, his character, and his trustworthy nature are why I have so much peace, even when life takes us to unfamiliar places—literally. When we head out into the wild on another camping journey, I may raise an eyebrow or have a few questions about the next off-grid experience or rugged adventure he’s excited about. But because I know the man he is—honest, steady, dependable—I follow his lead with trust.

That doesn’t mean I never get nervous (especially if there’s a rumor of bears or “no signal” zones involved!). But I’ve seen time and again how Snatcher watches out for me, prepares with care, and never leads with ego. That kind of trust isn’t born overnight. It’s earned, day by day, and Snatcher has earned it with every hike, every packed bag, every fire built under a canopy of stars.

I value honesty and trustworthiness because they make relationships real. They anchor you when the winds of life blow hard. And they create a space where you can be yourself—silly, scared, brave, broken, hopeful—all without fear.

As we keep setting out on new adventures, I thank God for these two friends He gave me. One helped shape the girl I was. The other helps lead the woman I’m becoming, one wild, beautiful camping trip at a time.