There is a reason I named this blog prayer filled chaos. This past month has been chaos showered with so many prayers. It doesn’t seem to be slowing down either but that’s ok. I feel like I’ve learned how to thrive in the chaos. And if I’m being honest, in my situation, thriving really means that I’ve learned how to give my chaos to the Lord and He turns it into peace.
A month ago the girls and I picked up and moved unexpectedly. This isn’t a new thing for military families and happens more often than not. This move was stressful for me on many accounts but one the biggest was the fact that this is the first move we’ve made with a child old enough to remember. She had a good friend base back in Texas, a routine and was just in a good place. We were going to have to yank her out of that. In the early stages of the move I kept thinking, “Thank God she’s not in school”. That seemed to work in the moment but then I got to thinking, one day, when this happens, she will be. Not to mention so many kids do it already.
Needless to say I was nervous. Then we got here. I immediately threw myself into mom groups and work out groups so that both her and I could build a community. I knew we both needed it. We were also fortunate enough to live in a very welcoming community with kids her age. She immediately settled and made friends. She asks me everyday if her friends can come over. My heart was so full! I was so thankful that this transition was a smooth one for her because I know that It won’t always be.
I was explaining this situation to a friend of mine and she stopped and pointed a few things out to me. At first she mentioned that she knew every child was different but there has to be some credit to her observation of my actions. I got to thinking about it and I’ve come to the conclusion that she’s right.
My oldest is not shy by any means but she has also observed me at a time in my life where I have put myself out there the most. Years ago when we moved to Florida I was still uncomfortable getting out of my comfort zone and literally every close friend from that time in my life has forced their friendship on me. Which I am SO thankful for because had they not, I’d definitely be friendless. Ha!
When we moved this time, I threw myself into workout groups and managed to introduce myself and strike conversations with some awesome women. I had made this choice back in Texas, that I would put myself out there so that I could be a part of a community no matter how long we’d be here. Which, by the way, is not long. More on that to come in a later blog post.
Anyway, my oldest got to observe this. She got to see me putting myself out there. Being vulnerable in a time when our life was incredibly chaotic. I was willing. I am willing. She hasn’t missed a beat. She still will ask about her friends back in Texas and tell her new friends about them but not in a sad way. In a healthy way.
So this is for you. The person reading this who’s life is covered in chaos. You’re vulnerable right now so the last thing you want to do is put yourself out there. I know. I get it. However, I promise you, great things await on the other side of the chaos. There is a sense of strength in opening yourself up during your most vulnerable times. I’m not saying go share your life story with someone although that might be what you need, what they need. I’m just saying don’t be afraid to go that group you’ve been eyeing for some time now. Don’t be afraid to go meet your neighbor who you think seems really nice. It may take a few times, or you may find that it isn’t for you. Whatever you find, you’ll be glad you did. Not to mention your children will thank you. Maybe not directly, but when they are most in need of a friend, yet terrified to reach out for one, they’ll remember how you did it.
They’ll remember that you were strong enough to put yourself out there.
God makes beautiful things out of chaos. Why shouldn’t we take his example and make beautiful things out our chaos?
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