In earlier blogs, I have shared about many of my failures in friendship. My years of mistakes have taught me valuable lessons--one of which is that time is required to nurture a relationship. Does my present limitations of time mean that I should avoid forming new friendships?
A number of months ago, I met a family that really inspired me. I've had a number of occasions since then where our paths have intersected. The wife absolutely intrigues me. She is very soft spoken, but a powerhouse of a woman. She's a business owner, home school teacher to her 4 children, baker, builder, seamstress and decorator. She's one of those woman who seem to possess every skill set that I've ever desired to have. There is no doubt that there is so much I could learn from her. But is that a selfish reason to want to be friends?
I guess I have to analyze what I have to bring to the friendship table:
1. I will listen. Other's concerns and feelings matter to me. I always try to listen to someone's heart with my own heart.
2. I am teachable. I do want to learn from others. I want to hear what they have to say and sort through the wisdom they offer.
3. I am tender. I'm quick to offer compassion, but also have a tendency to be quickly broken.
4. I'm a firm believer in prayer. I will pray for others and that the Lord will act in their lives. Depending on your personal belief system, this may or may not be a plus.
5. I'm a get-it-done girl. You need to take out your kitchen cabinets? Call me!
6. I'm a planner. You want to get married in three weeks? No problem. We can pull off a great wedding--cake and all!
7. I'm a plate spinner. I can tackle many problems at once.
Or can I? The answer is really yes, and no. When I'm in the "zone", I'm great. However, when one plate falls down, I often loose balance and have the rest come crashing down around me. And so I go back to my original question of if it's wisdom to add another friend to my circus (assuming she wants to be friends with me). I never want anyone to feel like they are spinning dangerously through my life. I want them to feel valued and important.
So, what do you think--do I "submit" a friend request or not?
Of course :) If you feel the tug on your heart that God is calling you into this friendship, take it up. She could be the answer to a prayer or vise versa.
ReplyDeleteJust take care that you don't present yourself as "busy" because it will tell her you don't "really" have the time for her.