Almost 4 years ago, I sat in my living room holding a tiny baby with tears pouring down my face and stitches across my belly. My husband had to go back to school, only five days after our daughters birth. The room was quiet and very lonely. There were no visitors and I was desparate for one. Just someone to come and sit with me, I didn't need 'help', but really needed a friend. My feelings vascilated between pity and despair.
A friend from church called to see how I was doing and with a lilt in her voice said; "If you need anything you just let me know". I responded with; "I really just need some company" to which she replied; "Well, okay you just let me know". I thought I just did.
One angel came to visit, a beautiful woman from church. She brought a lovely present and sat with me and held my precious bundle as I cried and smiled. Trying my best to hold it together. As much as i enjoyed her coming, what a blessing!, our relationship was young and her presence seemed to compound my loneliness for others. Where was everyone? Had I really no friends? had I really not invested in relationships enough to have them here with me now in my time of need, in my time of joy, in my time of fear and saddness?
Here I am almost 4 years later and I am in awe of the difference. Right now at this moment I could call atleast a dozen women to; come over to sit with me, watch my child, make my family a meal, listen to my troubles or even help me laugh or cry. I have so many amazing people in my life today that I can't imagine living my life without them.
The difference? Community! I am part of a community. Women that support and encourage and help one another. We do life together and I wouldn't 'do life' any other way. I couldn't 'do life' any other way. I couldn't possibly slip through any crack today. If I hadn't been heard from in the next 7 days, someone would come calling. That is a great feeling of comfort and security and most of all love!
What holds us together? I suppose it could be woman power or motherhood or a kind of sisterhood but I believe that what holds us together is the love of Christ. We love others more than we love ourselves. Therefore, we put the needs of others ahead of our own. Guess what? Everybody wins that way!
I will never be lonely again, and I am so eternally grateful.
5 comments:
I am so blessed to have you as a friend!
XOXO
well said friend
This hit a note with me because this WAS me. When Mike had his accident then I had my emergency c-section it was like my friends disapeared. Thank goodness for MOPS. Just wish I had joined 4 months earlier
Beautifully written. I really enjoyed hearing you read this at mops last week!
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