Gift

Yesterday the kids and I had a wonderful afternoon at a local park. Another home schooling mom and her four children came too, and they all had a blast in this wide creek, catching crayfish, salamanders and frogs. Peter caught a baby water snake. Sadly, my camera batteries died, so no pictures.

The best part about the day – I made a new friend.

She’s new to home schooling and our group this year. While our kids played in the water, we talked like old friends that hadn’t seen each other in years.

You know how sometimes you meet certain people and you just click right away, without any effort? This was one of those times. I feel like I’m finally making that friendship connection that I’ve wanted for so long.

I have a birthday next week. The older I get, the more I treasure close relationships. They’re precious like gold nuggets plucked from among mud and stone.

The Lord knew what I needed. He heard the cry of my heart and he has given me this blessing, the gift of a friend.

Rob Bell says hello

rob bell saying hi to moi

Check this out. Author and pastor Rob Bell sending me a personal greeting. Readers of this blog know I’m a fan of his Nooma series, so this picture is such a treat. Would you like to know why he is holding up a “Hi, Monica!” sign?

Well, it all started with a comment I left on a blog.

For the story, you have to read Ann Kroeker’s account of attending the Calvin College Festival of Faith and Writers conference. It’s a long post, so scroll down to the bottom if pressed for time (or be like me and enjoy every detail; I love meeting new people).

And don’t forget to leave Ann a comment.

Because you never know what good thing could happen as a result…

Mom’s night out

So. Met a bunch of moms from the Christian home schooler’s group last night for dinner, book-sharing, and general, friendly chat. And it was. I don’t know what it is with this group, but I’m having a heck of a time getting to know these people.

It’s not that they’re not friendly, it’s just been slow going. I suspect it’s because they are all busy home schooling their kids and they have no time for the likes of me. This was also a rare occasion of us getting together without kids. I find it difficult to have meaningful conversation when my children are around. Too distracting.

I love talking to the moms who are nearing the finish line with their home schooling journey. One mom, her face just lit up when I asked her what it was like to be in the home stretch, to be almost done. She said she was retiring.

And educating your kids really is like a full-time job, so it makes sense to look at it that way. She’s got five years to go. I figure I’ve got at least 13, Lord willing.

If you home school your children, how long to do plan to do so?