What would my babies do without their grandma?
The isolation of the nuclear family leads to an impoverishment of relationship and community life, and although relationships (especially family relationships!) bring their own tensions, I find that their value and beauty far outweighs the occasional argument, misunderstanding, or hurt feelings. Knowing that another person will be there for you when you need help, share the joys and pains of life with you, and pray for you consistently is an amazing thing. Being able to do that for them in return is equally amazing!
Now if only I could find a few good friends to build those deep relationships with… with family I know they’re worth the effort of relationship-building because they’re not going away, but with potential friends the future is a lot less clear. And yet I want friends who live close by, who have kids that my boys can grow up with. Whoever called this process “mom dating” knew what they were talking about š and I’m just as scared of the social minutiae and tiny rejections as I ever was when I was single!
So what is my first step going to be? I am going to pray. With all the crazy things going on in the world it feels trivial and self-centered to pray for friends and community, but the slow developmentĀ of trust and love has to begin somewhere small before it can grow to reach all the corners of the earth. And surely the God who made and sees all hearts can orchestrate a simple meeting of 2-3 women who need each other to grow with.
little thoughts 