Tightening My Laces

Are you in the trenches or feeling just down in the dumps? Are you deflated, defeated and disappointed?  Well...you might be a mom- or a teacher for that matter. Or anyone. Life can be overwhelming and we find it hard to get through always wondering if someone else faces the same situations or circumstances that we do. Some people find it hard to share or want to hide their problems as if they didn't have any and they often miss out on an encouraging moment- the kind that happens when honest friends get together. Maybe you have a friend like that?

 I had the privilege this morning to share time with a sweet friend and discuss those overwhelming things. Of course, it was a play date and there were expected interruptions while we intervened with our toddlers occasionally.  However, between those short interruptions, it was a breath of fresh air to get to talk to someone. Yes! Another adult. If you aren't a stay at home, you may not totally understand that one.  Just humor me. Getting to have a conversation in person is well...a delicacy to feast upon.

So in our conversation we learned a bit about each other as mothers and wives.  It was good to know we both struggle with some of the same challenges. Probably what most of us struggle with-whether or not we're a stay at home or a working mom like I used to be. We all wonder if what we're doing for our families and our children is the best; is it right?   We all fall short daily and we all wish we had done something different at some point.  It's good to have the encouragement of a friend, to share our lives and see that we're just not all that different. Then slowly, I began not to feel so deflated or dumpy. Defeat was not on the map and I would not be passing by disappointment any time soon because I knew what I was seeing along the way was NORMAL. Encouragement of a good friend is so important!  Whatever your career, whatever your path in life, it's good to know how to pray for one another and to be encouraged to keep on the path. That is priceless. It's like carb loading in a race; now I feel like I can run a few more miles this week. So, thank you, Dear Friend.
Better go tighten my laces.