Friendship

I have been feeling so grateful for my friendships. Growing up and into my adult years maintaining friendships has never been something that I excelled in. It wasn't that I didn't want to. I have always let insecurities and laziness disrupt my relationships with some pretty awesome ladies. When I started working full-time I pretty much let any and all friendships go for a while.

The last few months the lord has put in me a desire for community and accountability. He has shown me many areas where I have been selfish in certain friendships and how important it is for me to put in the effort I know I so appreciate being put into me.

Yesterday I had some girl time with some lovely ladies. Amber and I go way back to Nursing School. We've been through so much together and now to see her married, pregnant with sweet baby Stella, and attending the same church and homegroup... is makes me feel OLD extremely extremely blessed. And then to talk with Jess and Jen, new friends who already feel as though I've known them forever. I can't wait to watch our kiddos play and grow together.

In the evening Jandy and Heather came over for dinner. Our hubbys all work together and were off  GOLFING planning our church's marriage retreat. Our kids ran and played and played. These women mean more to me than I can say. They have been my rock. Both of them so sweet and talented in their own way. If I was just a little bit like them as a mom and wife I would be doing pretty good. When you become a mom it is amazing how quickly your focus changes from what you want and need to what is best for your child. Before we were at New Community Eli really didn't have many playmates, especially boys. These sweet little ones are as welcoming and loving as their mamas. Watching them play and love on Eli last night meant the absolute world to me.

This is the only picture that I took of all my play dates. We inflated the air mattress, made some popcorn, and brownies, and turned on Tangled.

AND THEN... today. I was planning on hanging out solo. A couple plans fell through so it was just me and my sweets. Off to Kidsville. (side note: I love this place. Although chaotic and a little expensive, it is totally worth it. The kids can play and mom can sit, talk, drink coffee. They even have free wifi) I was sitting there making sure my child wasn't hurting anybody when a cute brunette and in a lovely fedora caught my eye. We did the awkward "Im going to stare at you for a while and try to figure out if you are who I think you are" and then I realized YES it IS! Miss Lindsey Costa. I have been wanting to meet up with this little lady ever since I was a student nurse in the delivery room with her little Giselle (who is 3 1/2 now). We sat and talked for a bit. She was such a source of encouragement for me. Obviously filled with the spirit. Her husband is also a worship leader which I think makes an immediate bond.

There are so many friends that have been my everything for the last few years. Sticking by my side even when I haven't been a great friend.

Thank you Lord for the sweet blessings in my life, for friends new and old. For friendships that stretch, encourage, and support. Thank you for friends that laugh and cry with me. For new and old friends that have lovingly accepted me for the neurotic whiner that I am. Help me to be a better friend. Help to pour into the lives of those around me.