The year from Hell that would not trade

This past 1 1/2 was hard, stressful and took its toll on me and my family both mentally and emotionally. I’ve learned a lot about my inner strength, the woman I am and the woman I want to be both personally and professionally. But I’ve officially put that book on the self, it’s in my rear view mirror. No looking back. Just breath!!!

What is that Smell? Coffee Beans and Feet!!

I don’t know whose room smells worst. My teenage daughter who play softball all week and has smelly feet. My teenage boy, I don’t know what the hell is in that room or what that smell is!! Or my 11 yr old who won’t change his damn socks, unless I yell at him, those things are toxic. Where is my hazmat suit. #mommyproblems

Drama

My friend loves drama; at least I think she does. We live far apart, but when we do go places together it is always exciting. The food isn’t quite right? She summons the waitress. Her clothes don’t feel right today? She will change several times. She wants to go the long way around, with many stops along the way. Sometimes her agenda confuses me.

Chaos can haunt her. Her keys are often lost. Her bills are forgotten until a day late. She’s not sure where she left her (new) phone. She needs a minder sometimes. I am glad to do that for her when I can, because she “minds” me sometimes. I love to listen to her when we talk on the phone, because she is so interesting.

The reason I am glad to do that is because once upon a time, before she knew me well, she stopped and said, “Tell me your story.” And she was the first one to listen from the beginning to the end. The reason I am glad to know her is because she says she is sad too when I am sad. The reason I am so glad to be her friend is because she tells me when I am wrong.

Sometimes there are weeks when we can’t get it right. She calls me, but I can’t talk. I call her, but she’s with someone else. She calls me, but my daughter is upset. I call her, but she’s walking the dog. She calls me and leaves me a loving message in my voicemail. How cool is that?

How lost I would be without a friend who notices I haven’t talked yet, and asks me to begin now.

A prayer for us:
Dear God, Thank you for the friends who look us in the face, who listen until we are finished, who find us when we are sad, who say, “Come on!” Amen.

This Sanctuary Moment is designed to give you a moment to reflect, perhaps feel, and restore your soul in these busy times.

Beth Newton Watson, M.Div., BCC, director, Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Service