Recently some of the people I know commented that they have friends that are great about supporting, encouraging, and giving advice. It got me thinking "What kind of friend am I?"
I'm great a being a friend when it's convenient for me. I get wrapped up in my life and don't pay attention to those around me. Usually I find out about a time when someone needed help after the fact. At that point I realize that I need to focus on others and quit being self-centered. Then life starts throwing things my way and I am self-centered again.
I'm great at offering my services: "Call if you need anything." But I rarely look for opportunities and take them.
I enjoy knowing what is going on and even when I know someone could us some help I usually think: "How could I help him/her? I've got ___ going on and don't feel like I can help him/her." or "Someone else could help him/her better than I can." I know the Lord wants me to do my best and help others even when it isn't convenient for me. And He will even help me be the person (s)he needs and it will even end up helping me, but I don't.
I know others may not see what I'm talking about, but to me these issues are as noticeable as a big red barn.
UPdate
14 years ago
10 comments:
I know exactly what you are talking about. I could have wrote those very words. How true they are. And so many missed opportunities that you will have pass through you mind for years too come. I often think of how much more I could have done for my Grandmother and others but did not, because something else always came up and the moment passed. Great thoughts Chastina, I really enjoyed your blog!
I know it is really hard and it shouldn't be. It seems like time is going be even faster now days. It is something I need to work on myself. Thanks for the post it is nice to be reminded.
Chastina, don't forget that you are serving each and everyday of your life. Remember the quote, something to the effect of the most important thing you will ever do in this life are within the walls of your own home. I paraphrased that terribly but you get the idea. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are being a GREAT momma and wife. That comes first and when you have little ones at home....they require a lot. There is a time and a season. Your time will come and when it does.....you'll be ready.
Cassie, I NEED you...to please come do my homework for me =) j/k. I think you're pretty great. I think we all have about a million things that we worry about all of the time. Not that that diminishes what you are feeling, but it does put you in the company of a whole lot of other worrying people. I guess that's the beauty of life, learning and progressing, and mostly relying on Christ to help us be better.Thanks for sharing.
I always really appreciate your kind notes on my blog or facebook. That is truly a gift and service.
Great post, Cass! I feel like this so often. I agree with Rachel - you're doing remarkable service with four little ones every single day. But I also think that it's important for us to serve someone outside our personal bubble. I know that if you pray for opportunities to serve - even with your busy schedule - Heavenly Father will help you find those opportunities. Actually, I need to do more of that myself. Thanks for the reminder!
What a GREAT post! And so true! Now you've pricked my conscience; there is always something to work on isn't there. I supposed we just need to really strive to do our best and step outide of ourselves a little more.
But I do agree with Rachel and Heather, you are doing service; your kids need you and you are always there for them and I know I can always count on you to comment on my blog. It is definitely more fun to write if someone actually reads it. So thank you.
GREAT!!! Does this mean you're going to bring us dinner??? :) From Mom's comments, I think she's going to bring us dinner too. :)
Chastina, you are more conscious of others than you realize. When was the last time you went a whole day, no...a whole hour, without thinking about anybody else (kids, family, hubby, friends) and only concentrated on yourself? I'm sure that doesn't happen often, or even at all. Life comes in "seasons". A season of being a kid yourself, a "season" of being more independent, a "season" of motherhood with little ones all over, and later...a "season" of being an empty-nester, and so on. The season you are in now, requires you to be a full-time mom and wife, a nurse, a chauffer, a teacher, a maid, a cook, an accountant, a problem solver, a supporter, a good listener, a cheerleader, etc. Whew! You keep on doing what you are doing. This is your "season".
I appreciate it when you think about me and leave your occasional comments on my infrequent blogs. That means a lot!
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