She has been planning this play date for weeks. It is no wonder she is up before the sun talking fast and packing her bags. How she will wait the last few hours until it starts, I’m not sure. Her giddiness is contagious.
She is the 2nd of four girls and selectively social. Some call that shy. If she likes you, she really likes you. In her short 8 years she has had a couple of besties. Both of them had to move. So I have been praying for God to send a new friend. One that will stay and grow in Christ with her. He, has faithfully and quickly answered my prayer. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
Today, they will unpack her 2 overstuffed bags, play with stuffed animals, Legos, and trade their marbles. They’ll drink Koolaid, eat cookies, and their hearts will promise to be true forever. She will come home more excited then when she left, and begging for the next play date.
Lessons are everywhere, and as their mom I have the chance to learn daily. As I watch this friendship dance unfold I tuck this truth in my heart:
Friendships take time, planning, and a willingness to unpack your heart with the hope it will be received and cherished. Oh, and sharing a snack only makes it sweeter.
This really encourages my heart today. My oldest daughter’s best friend (and the only one who, in the craze of middle school, walks strong in her convictions with my daughter) is probably moving away this summer. I’ve been really sad to consider the loss of our fun times together with her family and of the daily companionship the girls enjoy with each other. What you’ve said has reminded me that I haven’t stopped to look “up” in this. I haven’t yet asked the Lord to send her a new friend who knows Him and will be strong with her, laugh with her, grow spiritually with her (and – bonus request – have parents who we like to sit up late into the evening laughing with, while all our kids run around being noisy and having fun!). Thanks for sharing your life and blessing mine today.
So glad you are encouraged Shannon. Sometimes, I forget to take things like this to the Lord. I think it is ‘too’ small. But you know, He really loves our kids and wants the best for them – even in the friendships that enrich their lives! He wants us to come to Him, in fact He is waiting for us to bring it all to Him!
Praying that He brings a kindred heart for your daughter, and you as well Shannon!
I love this, “Friendships take time, planning, and a willingness to unpack your heart with the hope it will be received and cherished. Oh, and sharing a snack only makes it sweeter.” Do you think the same goes for adults? 🙂
Yep, uh-huh, double yes!! (didn’t that cheesecake make it all the more sweeter?)
I loved this! It made me grateful for the sweet friends God has given me, and also because I have been praying the same thing for my eight-year-old this year. I copied and pasted your prayer for your daughter into my prayer journal because I loved how you worded it. Thank you!
Thank Becky! I love that we both have 8 year olds who are navigating this world of friendship. It can be so hard, especially with girls. They connect and love deeply! I am grateful for that – but loss can really hurt!
Glad you were encouraged here today!
Your post hits such a sweet place in my heart. My little girl is only 21 months, but this inspires me to pray for friends for her with whom she can grow up in the Lord. I am inspired to be a better mom after reading your writings. Thanks for sharing.
Oh what a precious age! Enjoy every minute because it goes by so fast! So nice to meet you and thank you for your sweet words!