Thoughtfulness

My sweet Jacob is such a helper. He helps me pull weeds, he helps me carry heavy things, he helps me feed the dog, he is the best. Interestingly, he goes a little hard of hearing when I ask him to help clean up his toys. But nonetheless, when I'm in need, I can count on him.

I can also count on him to see my need and then take it farther. Sometimes a little too far. Like watering plants... and himself. Or putting away his toys and the toy in Kaylen's hand (ripped out none to gently with the resulting screams from sister). Or closing a car door for me...while Kaylen is still climbing out. True, she takes forever to get out of the car and it makes us all crazy, but making her stop to scream and cry only makes it worse, dear. 

I just love the thoughtful and helpful nature that God has given Jacob. 

But I don't really know why I am surprised when my Heavenly Father, who made my son in His holy image, is my greatest help going far above and beyond simply because He can and wants to. The thoughtful ways of my boy are just a tiny, earthen glimpse of the bountiful love of our gracious God. Over and over, in so many ways He shows me He loves me. 

I've mentioned before that last year two of my dearest friends moved away. Far away. Too far for long weekend visits or for a fun road trip. This past year has been very lonely for me. I've missed my friends deeply. For a while I retreated into myself and my home, blaming my unfriendliness on the needs of my small kids but in reality, just hiding away and moping. 

I've finally stopped moping and, at the risk of having another  all too short and beautifully sweet friendship, I've begun asking God to send me a friend. Someone who needs me like I need her. I've been asking God to send me another Dawn. Even early this morning, sprawled in my sleepy handwriting I made my plea to God. 

A smile and a nod and God chuckled, "I'll do one better, I'll send you the real thing!" And hours after my prayer this morning, my friend called to say she is coming for a visit. 

I've always thought that the verse that says that God will supply all my needs according to his riches in Glory (Phil. 4:19) was referring to financial provision, and maybe it is, but the thought occurred to me recently that maybe it's referring to any need we have. Specifically, in this instance, friendship. 

With every day that I grow and learn, I see that my God is always giving, always helping, always looking for ways to care for His family. He's thoughtful like that. 

Oh, how He loves us! 


Note: Among life's many rich relationships, there is that friend who thinks like you, who inspires you, who you can sit in silence with as well as chit chat for hours. Those friends are rare and special, they are never replaced. And when life takes you in different directions, although you are compelled to follow the path that God has for you, it is sweeter for the time spent together with your dear friend.