Friends

Did you happen to see this article at Simple Kids yesterday?    It's about the three types of friends every parent needs.   You should take a minute to click over there and read it before you go any farther.   This was my favorite quote from the article:

"We need the kind of support and encouragement that doesn’t come with conditions because parenting, as you know, can be a messy business."

I am not the type of person who has a lot of good friends... acquaintances, yes.  I have tons of those!  I consider myself outgoing and easy to talk with.    When it comes to making life long friends, however, I am very cautious.    Life is precious and sometimes short, and I want to make each minute COUNT.  As a homeschooling mom I believe it is important for us to have a few girlfriends who we can call at any time and speak our hearts.... after all, we are home with our darlings all day  and sometimes those days can get tedious and long.

I love this quote from Socrates... it's one I saw a while back and have been thinking about a lot.   I am blessed to have a few friends who are gems.     A couple of them do not homeschool their children, and one does.    The important thing is that they know me and GET me.   They don't criticize or judge me, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt they would never talk behind my back or "thrown me under the bus" (so to speak).  Friends like this are rare.   In the past these friends have:

• sat by my bedside after surgery because I didn't want to be alone, but my husband needed to be with our children
• taken my children for the day when I've been recovering from surgery
• brought my family an entire "picnic" when we just needed some extra help
• supported me in my decision to homeschool, and affirm me by telling me they admire my choice
• cleaned up my dog's poop during one of my children's birthday parties (hey - that's a true friend, huh?)
• prayed for me when my family was looking for a new church home
• sympathized with my hurt and worry when a close family member was going through a horrible divorce
• just sat and listened when I needed it the most
• put their arms around me to tell me they were praying for me

I could go on and on.... but you get the point.    Everyone needs friends, and I think it is of the utmost importance for us moms to cultivate friendships.    

I'm choosing not to think about the fact that one of my dearest friends will be moving away in July.   I have been with her through the adoption of two children.  She has been with me through watching our boys grow up together, teaching my daughter to knit, and listening to me debate the homeschool decision.   We became friends through our church, and when that church split we each wound up in a different place, but it did not affect our friendship.      

In my life I know I will have just a few "forever friends" ~ for them I am so grateful.   Who are your "forever friends"?   If you want, leave me a comment and tell me about one of your friends. 

*Linking up Tuesday with Five Kids and a Dog for the ABCs of Homeschooling:   F is for Friends! 

My Latest Read -- A MUST READ!

For many years I've loved Steven Curtis Chapman's music.   I knew a few years ago his family endured the tragic death of his five year old daughter, and I remember seeing some interviews on television with Steven and his wife, Mary Beth.  I also remember being impressed with them and admiring their faith.

Last week my good friend Karen gave me the book his wife has written, entitled Choosing To See.   In it Mary Beth talks of her walk of faith from the time she was a young girl up until now.  She talks in great length about adopting three precious children from China.  She also takes her readers through the excruciating pain of losing her daughter.      I cannot begin to imagine a pain so horrible, but after reading her book I can begin to imagine a FAITH THAT  BIG!  

If you have some time as your school year has finished (or will be finishing), you might want to read this book.   You'll need a box of tissue with you throughout most of the book, but they are good tears.  It helped me (at a time when I really need perspective in my life) to focus on what is TRULY important, and cherish each moment with my children.  

More Steven Curtis Chapman music is now on my iPod.... including his song "See".     I hope you get a chance to read the book and listen to the song.  Both have had a profound impact on me recently.

Image courtesy Goodreads

Video courtesy YouTube