I’m a pretty together girl, and I pride myself on that false togetherness. So sometimes it’s hard for me to reach out to those going through something serious. I know, I know, where is the GIVING heart in that little tidbit?
The whole idea of messiness started me thinking about a time in which someone allowed themselves to get a little dirty from my problems. Maybe if I thought about a time like this, it would help me learn from their GRACIOUS GIVING.
I thought about this for .2 seconds before I knew the answer. Although the answer could be any number of people, the answer is Susan.
In college, Susan listened, and listened, and listened again to the same story told every way imaginable. She maintained interest in the same old problem that never seemed to find resolution. She watched as I walked forward, stumbled, and then fell back again. She listened until I was sick of hearing myself talk, and then she took me out to one of our regularly scheduled 1:00 am breakfasts so she could listen some more.
I’m sure it wasn’t easy to be my friend during this time, but Susan didn’t give up on me, or my ability to come out of my mess a better person.
What about you? Can you think about a time in which you were blessed by someone’s decision GIVE the extra time and effort to meet a need in your life? Let’s hear about it.
13 comments:
oh...i could have written this...i don't like messy, but I'm learning that getting dirt under my fingernails and mud on my feet is more about my own insecurities...i have had to be there for someone very close to me since losing my dad. and God is showing me that when I don't think about it (dwell on the discomfort), I am more present than when I try to analyze every.possible.outcome.
And wow. I praise God for those who came alongside my messiness with such mercy and grace. truly. truly grateful.
In my life, There is nothing like a sister...she gets down and dirty with me, whether that is a shoulder, or and ear, or a good spanking that I have coming. For that I am grateful! Getting messy at times as a friend is necessary and in my case...as dirty as it was that I got involved with a messy situation with a friend, in the end, she is now saved, thank you Lord that I got messy.
For me it's my husband. Every day he gives of himself for our family. I thank God daily for his giving spirit.
Big Fat Mama
One of my college roomates just moved back to town. Even though she just went through a rough divorce, she continues to minister to me. A couple of weeks ago I was down in the dumps and she brought me over this incredible chocolate! I'll never forget how it warmed my heart (and how good it tasted).
thanks for your comment on my blog.love butterflies and nature. My college roomie still support each other, telling what we think although that's difficult . we have known each other since 1974. we write each other each week. Rose
Thank you for your comment on my blog, as well. I love yours and your heart...
Oh Amy, I am like you in clinging to that false sense of "togetherness"! It was a humbling lesson to let myself need others when I went through my divorce ten years ago, but need I did! My closest friend Val listened to every bit of sobbing lunacy and hurt that poured from me for almost six months. She pulled me through that dark time and I will love her forever for that!!
All the time -- I am so blessed by a number of friends. And I love getting into people's lives, too. Not the nosy part, but the helping during heart-break part.
Also, I love YOUR reason to blog, too. We just started a "selfless chart" in our family. When we catch each other doing selfless things, we put up a smiley face. In the end, when we all have a chart full of smilies (parents included), we are going to celebrate as a family.
I only know one person in my past who listened to me with full sacrifice of what they wanted to do/talk about. My old roommate was amazing (she still is) and would sit and take out time for everyone else in her life. My roommate allowed me to put on a good front when we were out in the world, but held on to most of my most vulnerable thoughts and respected my privacy.
My husband asked me what my neighbors do for a living (I spent 1/2 hour talking to them outside). I couldn't believe I didn't ever think to ask?! I need to be better about asking other people questions...
Oh yes, we're so alike. Your post is helping me remember several dear friends who walked by my side, over and over, until life finally taught me the lessons I needed to learn. Well, I shouldn't say "taught me." I'm still learning and still thankful for friends who don't mind my messiness.
Mmm this is good stuff. Oh how I am still learning to walk through the messiness of life with people. I have dear friends all around me who stick by my side, so very thankful that they never ever give up on me and constantly encourage me! One of my most treasured friends is my husband :)
Just found your blog today :)
Not everyone is a good listener! However, I have several friends who bless me with their listening ears. I can share anything with them and they don't try to fix me unless I ask their opinion. I'm not a drama queen type of person but I went through some very difficult times in the past and they've prayed for me and with me and ...listened.
What a beautiful photo!!
Post a Comment
Talk to me, friends.