So, there aren't very many times I have some "profound" moments. Yesterday I kinda did.
The last few weeks I have been really depressed over the fact that we have no couple friends. When we lived in California and Colorado we had a few amazing friends that at any time we could ask to come over and hang out. So far we have lived in Arizona over a year (kinda a record for us. lol) We have had only one couple come over to hang out with us. (besides our amazing best friends from California who flew out to visit us) It gets lonely. I have a few girlfriends here that I love to spend time with but I want a friend for my husband. So, here are my "requirements" and the reason why I think we cant find any friends.
* Must either have multiple children or don't judge us for our crazy 3 boys
*Must not mind that when you come over we will not be offering you a beer or a alcoholic drink (as much as I want to myself, I would rather keep my husband sober)
* Must like to laugh
*Understands my crude humor at times and loves me for me and my family for my family
*Must like to play board games
*Male- its a bonus if you like to watch sports and go to sporting events
*Female- its a bonus if you like creative things and are able to take you children on places like the park, museum, etc...
*Must understand the demands of having a big family
*Must not be super rich because we cant afford to go do extravagant things
*Must want to put effort into a relationship. I have a very big heart and when I give it I give it.
This is all I can think of for the time being. I mean its not to much to ask right.
Ok, So this is where I tell you about my ahhhh haaa moment. I was sitting in church yesterday looking around at all the young couples our age and about ready to burst into tears because I want to go up to them like a sad puppy and say, "will you be my friend" And then it dawned on me, Jesus is that desperate for me to get to know HIM. It breaks his heart when I'm so far away. He wants me. Plain and simple. And he doesn't even have a list of criteria or guidelines to what I have to be like to know HIM. I just have to want to be his "friend" The pain I feel in my heart and the urning for Friends I have has got to be amplified with Him.
Relationships take time and work. They don't just happen overnight (which is what I'm learning with my walk with Christ...7 years later and I still don't have it down) but what I have learned with relationships is they ARE worth the effort. (thank you Alison Collins for helping me learn this lesson)
As much as I desire so so so badly for my husband and I to have other married friends that's nothing compared to what the Lord desires from me. So, for now Im just gonna focus on that and *hopefully* I know that there is the perfect couple out there for us! LOL
Oh Amy! I can so relate to where you are! Joel and I NEVER had any couple friends or even just a friend for me at any of the places we have lived with the exception of Bayfield! I prayed for a "best friend" for nearly 15 years before that door opened. It is hard and ESPECIALLY when you have 3 preschoolers (or 4 as was my case). Even now - we rarely are invited over due to our "large" family.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right - Jesus longs to be your friend that sticks closer than a brother and He knows your longing and need for friends...he created us to be relational! So - I will join you in praying for a couple friend that meshes JUST RIGHT with you and JR! Hang in there girl...we love and miss you!
That was one of the best blog posts I've read in a long time...such a great "ah ha" moment. Thank you for sharing that!!!
ReplyDeleteyay! for your "ah ha" moment!! It is soooo true Amy Jo, Jesus wants to be your everything, you just need to be willing to let Him, and He will bless you beyond measure, because He is our faithful father (even when we are faithless) who desires to bless His children! SO amaaaazing that we are saved by GRACE alone and not by works! This alone makes me want to jump in His loving arms and serve Him forever! I Love you best friend :)
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to say that I TOTALLY agree with your other friends. We are supposed to turn our attention and focus to HIM. Jesus will be our comfort, rock, friend, provision, our everything.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I wish Jimmy & I lived by you!!! The only thing I'm missing with your requirements is having multiple children...or any for that matter! BUT! Jimmy's oldest sister is about to have 3 boys JUST LIKE YOU and I totally don't judge her and I love going over to their house. The crazyness reminds me of holiday get-togethers with my NY (Italian) family. All my younger cousins running around like wild animals - I love it.
As long as you and JR strive to live a life pleasing to the Lord, HE will provide you with EVERYTHING you need - that includes friends. I have been learning to surrender everything to HIM. As much as I've tried in the past, I cannot plan anything greater for myself than what God has planned for me. We just have to go and get what the Lord has put our names on.
I love you Amy!!!
Aww Nicole..thank you so much! You are amazing. I also wish we lived closer!
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