|
|
|
|
A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
I read an article in the "Waco Today" magazine yesterday about women and their girlfriends. It inspired me to do my own musings on the subject.
Women need other women--and men generally don't understand that bond that women have. In the settling and pioneering of our country, women formed a community of support for each other--canning, quilting, living together as extended families, cooking, gardening, assisting in births, helping a new mother nurse her newborn, caring for the ill and elderly, and completing the circle in assisting the women move through the death experience of a loved one.
But today we don't have that community of women surrounding the pivotal points in our lives. We live isolated lives in single family dwellings with air conditioning, running to work, grabbing convenience foods on the way home, rushing the kids to ball practices or games, dance classes, band concerts, or gymnastics. We haven't learned how to make the homemade pie crust that makes the coconut pie wonderful, instead of simply good.
As an older woman, I think there are some things we need to consider regarding our relationships with other women and the treasure that we have in those connections. Here are some of my thoughts about the women in my life:
- Young women need those of us who are a bit more "seasoned" to be available to mentor them. Usually the younger ones are too shy to ask, but the times I've simply asked a younger woman, "Would you be interested in spending some time together?" the answer has been a resounding "Yes!" Now finding the time to do so sometime is a challenge, but it has proven to be a rewarding time for both of us.
- Some of the most important women in my life are our three daughters. They are all grown now, and we enjoy a wonderful relationship, but if I had it to do over again, I would not be so "task-oriented" in my mothering. I would take more time to play with my daughters, laugh with them, go to the park, the zoo, swimming -- whatever they wanted to do--and simply enjoy being with them.
- We need to quit accepting Hollywood's assessment of beauty. Some of the most beautiful women I know are older Christian women who have a holy glow about them instead of the stiff foreheads of a face lift.
- Women need to get away with each other occasionally for a "girlfriend weekend." Two or three of my girlfriends in Red River used to go for a two day shopping spree in Colorado Springs between Christmas and New Year's every year to take advantage of the after-Christmas sales. We would laugh, eat a lot, shop and pray together. It was a rich time for us.
- If that's not possible, at least a movie night with the chicks gives time to laugh and giggle, eat popcorn and watch the chick-flicks and just be girls.
- Take some time for yourself every now and then. Go get a massage or spend a day at a spa. Take a spiritual retreat just in a hotel if you can. And don't feel guilty about it.
- Call a girlfriend or write her a note and tell her how much you love her and how much her friendship means to you.
- And if your mother is still alive, tell her how much you love her and thank her for being your mother. The last time I saw my mom alive, the Lord prompted me, and I leaned over her bed in the nursing home and said, "Thank you for being my mommy. I love you." She was not a perfect mother - who is? But she did the best she knew how at the time. I'm so glad I expressed that to her. She passed away ten days later.
Those of you who are reading this who are my women friends, I thank you and treasure our relationships. To my daughters, I love you so much and am grateful to God for you. To those younger women whom I have had the privilege of mentoring, it was my pleasure and blessing. And to God be all the glory!
"In the Shadow of the Sun King"
A Darkness to Light Novel
NOW IN WALMART STORES!!!
 "A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES"
August 2009 Release!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Printer Friendly
Favorites
Make Home Page!
Email this Page