Take Their Love

It's been an amazing two months since our son was born and I'm ready to get back to writing after my informal maternity leave.

One thing that struck me while I was away is how generous others were toward us in the weeks and months after Grant's birth.  It was and continues to be really incredible.  We had meals provided by neighbors, friends, and family for weeks.  In fact, there were days when a meal would show up at our doorstep unexpectedly.  We had one anonymous meal delivery and we even have a meal coming this week (10 weeks after Grant's arrival!)

People have offered to do laundry, the dishes, give our girls rides to and from school, babysit, etc.  The list goes on!  I was sitting with a neighbor and friend over tea one day who also just had a baby and she said she felt a little guilty for receiving so much support.  "Nothing's wrong with me," she said,  "I could be doing everything myself."  And, yes, it's true, she could be caring for her children, cooking, cleaning, and the like all on her own.  But, the magic of letting others into our lives to care for us, is that often we don't even know they are meeting a need until we later experience the renewal that comes from being served. 

"Accept what other people have to offer.  Drink their milkshakes.  Take their love."  -Wally Lamb

Wow!  I was so honored and so blessed by the many people who cared for us.  If you are one of them, THANK YOU.  I truly felt the power of being lifted up by our community (both near and far) of family and friends.