Sometimes (pretty often, to be honest), I look at my life and feel stymied by the weight of things. Of the busyness, the endless tasks, the remembering to send my son’s library book back on the proper day and review the new spelling words the optimal number of times each week.
It can be heavy. It can be groan-inducing. And while all the responsibilities come from a place of blessing, they don’t leave a whole lot leftover. Limited resources and the demands of young kids always get right of first refusal.
So you offer help in the corners–watching a friend’s kids when she has a doctor’s appointment, taking a meal to a neighbor, make sixteen notes to yourself to send a text to someone who needs some encouragement on an important day. It’s not ever pretty or smooth; the casserole you drop off will be slightly burned, your house will be a circus show with the extra kids vs. a calm, nurturing haven, and you will really, really wish you could be there to hug your friend in person instead of just sending a text.
But you will try because you care.
Yet more important than any of this tangible help, the one thing you can offer is a safe landing spot. You see, what we all really need in a friend is someone who gets it, who loves us as we are. Who takes our panicked random calls when we discover a weird rash on our ankle, who lets us cry when our son can’t learn to hold his pencil the right way in school, who will tell you that “no, you do not look like a ginormous cow”–for the sixth time in the same week (not that I speak from experience).
All we really want is a welcome place to fall, a haven in the midst of our floundering and full days.
For this reason, difficulties aren’t to be cursed. Nothing can better school us in genuine compassion than challenges, struggles, moments when we are pretty sure we are going to have to lock ourselves in a padded room vs. spending another minute with our very-three three year old…
It’s this living of such an imperfect life full of stuff that so perfectly equips us to be there for others. Our own tricky spots teach us firsthand how to best offer support and how to be real. We can be a welcome hand for friends to grasp when things get tough because we get it, we’ve been there.
It may be ages before we can present gorgeous casseroles or have supportive phone conversations sans children screaming interruptions, but in the meantime, we can be a safe spot for others to land–one entirely filled with empathetic compassion.
And that is the true blessing.
First image credit: depositphotos.com, image ID:11190135, copyright:Wavebreakmedia
Second image credit: depositphotos.com, image ID:2786756, copyright:Pakhnyushchyy
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Karen @ Mended Musings says
I really relate to what you’re describing. At this season in my life with young children, it’s the little things I offer that mean the most. Even a call to a friend that gets interrupted 20 times is better than not reaching out at all. A safe spot to land is a lovely way to describe it.
Meredith says
“Even a call to a friend that gets interrupted 20 times is better than not reaching out at all”–YES. So well said, Karen.
Kari says
So well spoken, Meredith, and all the more meaningful knowing the author lives this out so very authentically. You truly are this friend to so many, myself blessedly included. You’ve been an inspiration to me in the “being there & getting it” department. If nothing else, being hit by life’s storms has taught me the importance of just doing something, anything, when friends are weathering their own storms. A card, a call, a text, a hug, a cup of coffee, a little gift on the doorstep….. Often there’s nothing we can do to “fix it,” no just-the-right-words to speak, yet one simple act of reaching out, whatever that looks like, can speak volumes to the hurting & harried heart of a friend. Thanks for demonstrating this so well, my friend, in word & deed!
Meredith says
This is the kindest comment ever. Thanks for loving and being so supportive and one who truly “gets it”, my dear, dear friend! xo
Cynthia Gabriele Sprouts Consignment Boutique says
We all need support from time to time & who better to get it from, someone who has been there or is there! I will always be here for you if you ever need me!
Meredith says
I know this, Cindy. Always. I love you!
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
Lovely! We all need those friends we can turn to with anything big or small.
Meredith says
Exactly! Being there for each other is what matters…
WhenCrazyMeetsExhaustion says
Love this post. Love this campaign. Love YOU!
Meredith says
Back at you, sweet friend!
Roshni says
There’s nothing better than a good friend. And, I think any gesture is better than no gesture at all!
Meredith says
It’s just a matter of showing someone you care, right, Roshni? Thanks so much for hosting this campaign!