Dear Emily,
I think that I am just realizing what it takes to be a good friend. I think I might be a selfish friend. Throughout the last few weeks, I have felt such love from my dearest friends. Today, a friend came over and held the baby while I cleaned house, but not only did she hold the baby, she did some of the worst tasks on my to-do list while I nursed and then while the baby napped. I am blown away by the generosity and willingness to serve. Then this evening, another friend stopped by to snuggle Julie, brought me a strawberry shake and then proceeded to stay and hold her so that I could cook my dinner. After the day we had yesterday, they were a breath of fresh air in this household.
They definitely challenged me to be a better friend, to follow up with people when they share intimate details of their lives, to truly listen, to reach out to them when they are struggling, to encourage, to really pray for and love on them. I hope that I take this challenge seriously and become a better friend and servant to the ones I love and the ones that have been placed in my life. What an easy thing to do that makes such a difference.
Thank you for being one of those generous friends that has challenged me!
Love, Jen
Dear Jen,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is touched hearing about your new life as a mom and the perseverance you have even in the midst of real challenge. I am SO glad that friends stopped by to help. It really does mean so much. In those early days of mothering, that tangible help and felt support is priceless. It's rejuvenating. I will keep you in my prayers. It sounds like you are doing a great job being a mommy!
-Micaela
Micaela, Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement! I never knew how necessary that love and support would be for a new mom. Who knew how hard it was!? And how sweet.
Delete-Jen