When the meeting was over, I got a text from my friend, Rachel. I called her right back because I had been thinking of her anyway. We talked and cried like we normally do together, and then she told me about how she is still suffering from her concussion. My heart just really went out to her. Even normal, everyday mom things can be hard. Everybody needs a good cry sometimes.
Thinking about her, I went to the store. Lance and I had fun picking out a few Pioneer Woman things for her new kitchen, and we also grabbed some stuff for a quick casserole. I came back home and whipped up two casseroles (one for her and one for us) faster than I ever have before in my life! It felt so good to take them to her after school. We hugged and I told her how much I cared about her. She told me it made her day and week and month. But I came home feeling so light and happy. I was practically skipping.
For far too long I have given myself a huge pass when it comes to service. I have told myself that my own life was all I could handle right now, or that I was too busy with a baby, or that I was waiting for some better time. But I was missing out. I needed to serve, not because other people needed me, but because I needed it.
Just after dinner, Greg and I ran across the street to help our neighbor. She has a shingles rash on her foot and Greg was so nice to look at it and prescribe some medicine for her. Her husband is so sick in bed with cancer. I've been over quite a few times in the last few weeks. Mostly just to listen and love her.
I've worried about this neighbor for months. I kept thinking that I should help somehow or DO something. But I never did. I was never brave enough to just walk over and visit. I never took the time. I am so thankful that I have the chance to make up for that now. I will offer all the love I have and try to be the kind of friend I would want to have.
For a few years, we've had unknown back-door neighbors. I've thought about them many times when I hear them outside, or when I look up at their back wall. But I've never done a thing about it. Now, I've felt all week that I should go meet them. I told Greg that I was humiliated because I hadn't done it long ago. We both decided that this is why you should be a good neighbor--ALWAYS--and not just when you are called to be the Relief Society president. I'm ashamed that I haven't done better. I was literally feeling terrified to go to their door. Finally, I told Greg I just had to to do it. And I decided that I would admit that I should have come sooner. So, I drove around the block to their house and parked. I walked up to the door and knocked. The largest dog I have ever seen came to the window. He was easily above my waist. Finally, the husband answered. His wife wasn't home. It was that awkward thing where he was trying to hold the HUGE dog (and three others) back all while trying to talk to me over their barks. But I told him that I was sorry I hadn't come before, but that I wanted to meet them and say Hi. He was really nice and friendly and we talked for a minute. When I left, I realized that it had taken literally five minutes of my time. Why hadn't I found five minutes in the last year to go meet our neighbors?
I'm glad that I am finding ways to get outside of myself. It is scary, but I feel a strength beyond my own. I feel this love in my heart. I know it comes from praying that I will see people the way the Savior sees them. It is helping me open my eyes and it is helping me to ask, "who might need me, today?" I wish I would have done this long ago.
Tonight was the girls' Evening in Excellence for Young Women's. Julia performed the most beautiful piano song, Song for Sienna, by Brian Crane. I think everyone was surprised that she could play so well. She had learned the song for one of her value projects. I am so proud of her. She had come straight from two different basketball practices (which I drove her all around town for), and she had a sweaty ponytail, but she still looked beautiful. She did such a great job. Emma put out a display of her track shoes, her volleyball medals, and her track state championship ring. All of the girls had a little sign that said, "I am..." Emma's said, "I am determined." Julia's said, "I am dedicated." The theme of the night was "I am...a daughter of my Heavenly Father. I am a child of God." Oh, how I love these beautiful girls.
 |
| Straight from basketball practice, right to performing on the piano at church! Great job, Jules! |
 |
| Emma's awesome display |
 |
| Julia's cute display |
And a huge shoutout to Miles at home who watched all the little boys, helped them shower and get into pajamas, read them some stories and had them waiting quietly in their beds for us to come home. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment