Children Are Disgusting

Those of you with children or who have spent significant amounts of time with children, back me up:

Children are disgusting!

If you are aware of that, read on...

This past week we had dinner with our close friends. They have two girls, ages 3 and 1, and Hannah adores them. We have dinner with them on a regular basis so we have gotten into a bit of a groove. We feed the children, stick them all in the bath together, put them in PJ's and let them play while we eat. No matter whose house we are at, things just go smoother if the girls get their dinner and bath.

Being that Hannah is an only child, she is used to bath time alone. She thinks it is so much fun to have friends in her bath, and until recently, I didn't think anything of it.

Enter in Friday night. The men were upstairs supervising bath time while the ladies were downstairs making dinner. We were in the middle of chatting and chopping when we heard major commotion and the dreaded words, "DOOOOODY! SOMEONE DOODIED IN THE TUB!"

You know that dreaded feeling you get sometimes in the pit of your stomach when you just know it was your child? Yeah, I had that feeling. Let's just say, that wouldn't be the first time that happened...

If you are still reading this and are not totally disgusted with me for sharing this jewel of a story, thank you. I promise, there is a point.

I've been consumed with the concept of friendship lately. What does it mean to be a good friend? Am I a good friend? What qualities do you look for when you start getting to know someone and let them become a good friend?

No matter who pooped in the tub, Hannah has good friends. I am so thankful that she is growing up with girls her age who love her and don't think twice about having to switch bath tubs because someone got a little too comfortable in the warm water. Friendship comes naturally to children.

I would certainly classify myself as a friendly person. Talking to others and connecting with women especially comes naturally to me. However, I am not quick to consider someone a close friend. I need time to develop and nurture close friendships. It takes a long time for me to consider someone trustworthy. I have to know that what I say is heard, and that no matter what happens, they are there for me. I have to feel like I can be myself- even if I 'poop in the tub'- and I will still be loved, appreciated, and forgiven.

I know that I "poop in the tub" sometimes. I say things that hurt my friends. I am too harsh, judgmental, and self-centered sometimes. Knowing that I have people in my life that accept that and love me despite that, is true friendship.

I am learning to put those close friendships that I have under a microscope and to examine what makes them productive friendships. I try hard to be a good friend, to apologize when I need to, to listen when needed, and to be there in a heartbeat for the people in my life who I love. I know that I need my friends to extend grace to me, and that I need to do the same for them.

Learning to be reflective about my friendships has taught me so much about living a joyful life. Friends come and go in our lives, but good and true friends are worth fighting for- even if they "poop in the tub" sometimes.

What qualities are important to you in your close friendships? Take a minute today to tell a close friend that you are thankful for them! What an encouragement to be thanked for the friendship you've extended to someone!

Back in Action

Vacation is over!

After Hannah was born, I decided that I needed a break from sharing what has been happening in my life and focus all my attention on the precious little gift in front of me. Motherhood was sprung on me and I wanted to be really great at it, so I put lots of "extras" on hold.

However, I am feeling so much more comfortable in my new role, and I am excited to share what God has been teaching me through this gigantic change, through friendships, and through life in general. I am still on a quest to be a joyful person, no matter what, and I want to continue sharing these experiences through one of my favorite avenues- BLOGGING!

Thank you for taking time to be a part of my journey!
*MB*