For my girlfriends far away

God taught me a little lesson today, and I don't think I would have been receptive to it had I not had friends move away recently... again. (That's the downfall of living in such a transient area.)

God has blessed me with a solid group of friends and acquaintances, so sometimes it's difficult for me to cultivate (or seek out) new friendships. After all, life is busy enough already, so it's not as if I have an abundant amount of free time to develop  new relationships, much less spend the time I'd like with current friends. Still, I'm learning, and I'm trying not to be so selfish, especially considering the importance of girlfriends. Besides, if God has blessed me, then shouldn't I try to bless others?

Friends who have moved away have shared how difficult it has been trying to make connections, and this makes my heart ache. After all, these are dear friends, whom I love, whose kids I adore. These are GREAT people who deserve to have a wide circle of friends.

Which made me realize that there are others, like my friends, who might be experiencing the same drought, but here. Couldn't I then extend to them what I wish someone would extend to my girlfriends?

So that's what went through my mind today after meeting a young mom and her daughter (same age as Leah) at the library. She's only been here for about a year, and though she's part of a church, she asked about exchanging information so that we could get the kids together for a playdate. My initial thought was, "Well, I already have enough friends," (certainly not the loving attitude I'm called to demonstrate) but then God re-directed them. He made me consider this mom's perspective: asking about a playdate for her daughter might have been more about seeking friendship for her.

Then I realized that regardless of whether or not we hit it off, maybe I could help her connect with some other moms, too. Maybe that's why we went to the library after lunch, even though it cut into nap time. It wasn't about checking out books (though it was for the kids) or getting out of the house for a bit: maybe it was to make a new friend or help another mom get connected.

I'm learning, Lord.