I've been writing a bit about visiting women...something I do as a part of our work in my church. Sort of the monthly outreach that says--how are you, do you need anything, what can we help you with etc. This is not unlike the many charities that pay visits to families or individuals in need. I have another woman that accompanies me, and we take turns bringing food or a special thought.
We've recently been seeing a woman who, up until a year ago, had what she thought was a perfect life. A husband with a great job at a technology company, five wonderful children who have lived a trouble-free, good great and athletically-gifted lives. She herself was also aesthetically blessed. Tall. Thin. Naturally blond (seriously) and a very sweet disposition. Then her world came crashing down. The husband wanted something different, including a new home sans family, two new cars (one BMW wasn't enough) and freedom. She handled it with grace, the underpinning value necessary when dealing with going back to college, getting a job and children going in to crisis.
During our conversation, she raised a new subject-- him bringing "friends" on activities with their children. They'd discussed this, agreed that it was not going to happen until "it was serious." That was a week ago and he's changed his mind. As she struggled to deal with this new development (she admits she's lagging behind him on the relationship front and is months away from even considering a date), she relied upon friends at her gym, her church and even the two of us who see her far less regularly.
As the conversation turned to the value of friends, those of the same sex and sometimes the opposite, she shared her experience of the value of a positive attitude. "The women at the gym tell me to push one more rep or stay for an extra class" she explained, thankful that they employed positive energy as opposed to bashing on her former husband. Others in her circle have also used optimism as they have provided suggestions to her recent situation. "One told me that it's possible to deal with his actions but set your boundaries." One of which was to acknowledge that part well before "it's serious" the former spouse must actually have his children spend time with a future mate. For "how else will they get to know one another?" It was a valid point, she said, and decided to set a boundary for bringing "friends" along, one that did NOT include their former residence where she still resides.
We were wrapping up the conversation and she thanked us for coming over and all how she valued our time together. Then said something that struck me. "I truly feel that women do the errands of angels, watching over one another, helping one another and always being a presence, even when silently."
As I drove away and sit here typing, I think many conduct their lives and serve one another as though they are truly on the errand of an angel. Her gratitude certainly made me want to find those wings and use them as often as possible.
We've recently been seeing a woman who, up until a year ago, had what she thought was a perfect life. A husband with a great job at a technology company, five wonderful children who have lived a trouble-free, good great and athletically-gifted lives. She herself was also aesthetically blessed. Tall. Thin. Naturally blond (seriously) and a very sweet disposition. Then her world came crashing down. The husband wanted something different, including a new home sans family, two new cars (one BMW wasn't enough) and freedom. She handled it with grace, the underpinning value necessary when dealing with going back to college, getting a job and children going in to crisis.
During our conversation, she raised a new subject-- him bringing "friends" on activities with their children. They'd discussed this, agreed that it was not going to happen until "it was serious." That was a week ago and he's changed his mind. As she struggled to deal with this new development (she admits she's lagging behind him on the relationship front and is months away from even considering a date), she relied upon friends at her gym, her church and even the two of us who see her far less regularly.
We were wrapping up the conversation and she thanked us for coming over and all how she valued our time together. Then said something that struck me. "I truly feel that women do the errands of angels, watching over one another, helping one another and always being a presence, even when silently."
As I drove away and sit here typing, I think many conduct their lives and serve one another as though they are truly on the errand of an angel. Her gratitude certainly made me want to find those wings and use them as often as possible.
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