Reaching Out

Are there ever times when you are overwhelmed by the people in your life?  Overwhelmed in a good way, I mean.  Overwhelmed by their love, kindness, willingness to go the extra mile in the spirit of friendship and fellowship?

That's happening to me right now.  And I am indeed overwhelmed, feeling so blessed and so grateful to have these friends in my life.
 
I'm not always good at reaching out.  I tend to be a private person, and it takes a lot for me to open up.  I don't ever want to be the one that when my friends see my caller ID, they groan because there's something else I need.  I think that's why I sometimes hesitate to ask for help.  I never want to burden my friends.  Yet, I want my friends to lean on me if they have a need. In the long run, it really is a two-way street. 

It's taken me a little while to learn this lesson: to open up, to trust, and just to share.  But right now, I'm feeling the blessings and the love, and the goodness of God that is coming from the friends and family around me, just because we've taken the time to share together and trust. 

I love that God brings people into our lives just when we need them...and most times when we least expect them.

So, take a moment and reach out to someone.  Even if it's through email or a Facebook post.  Let them know you care.  Then you'll find that it is true:  It is so much more fun to give than to receive!
Happy Christmas, friends!
 

The Holiday Season

Doesn't it seem like from Thanksgiving to the end of the year, life moves at a very hectic pace?  Thanksgiving seems to sneak up on us, then all of the sudden we're in the whirlwind of the holidays.  This year, that whirlwind included an open house that we threw for 60 guests, and includes our son's (and his girlfriend's) college graduation.  Literally, there's something going on every weekend until the new year.  Plus, both my hubby and I have had pretty rotten colds.  Nothing like sinus pressure to throw you completely off your groove!

But we keep plugging away.  I'm trying to enjoy everything about Christmas and not stress over the details.  Our open house was hectic, crazy, crowded and fun! We are so blessed to have been in the DFW area for only three years and have all of these wonderful people share an afternoon and evening with us.  God is good.

I'm slowly learning that it's okay to reach out to people even when things aren't going well.  I always try to be so positive and don't want to burden folks with my problems or hurts or discouragement.  Yet this blog alone has proven to me that people want to help, to lend an ear, or even just a shoulder.  But I've also learned you need to be there in return.  Isn't that what friendship is all about?  Heck, isn't that what human kindness is all about?

So, don't stress this year. Let's keep showing that human kindness.  Enjoy every moment of the craziness, family, food, and friends! As Seals and Crofts once said: We may never pass this way again.

God's blessings for a wonderful Christmas and very happy new year!