Friday, October 11, 2013

Responsiveness


You. Yes, you,  the quiet encourager - YOU MATTER.

Thank you.

Thank you to the old soul in the young pretty face, framed with red hair who stood across the counter from me and handed my children free, warm cookies. You watched me try and pull my two year old out of the stroller, with screeching babe in arms, and an exhausted four year old standing watch - you looked into my worn eyes and smiled.

I close my peepers and picture the ordinary middle aged woman in white sneakers, who in spite of having teenagers, seemed to remember these 'early days.' When you noted that I am not an octopus and offered to rock the car seat in Costco while I unloaded groceries made my throat feel a big fat lump.

Gratitude fills me when I think of the Grandma who told me I look like a natural, even though I knew I was flailing around like a fish out of water. Dear Grandma-lady, your kind heart, sweet voice, and dainty flowered dress made me almost believe you. It was your words that carried me throughout town to finish my chores, even though my dear babes had almost finished me. 

Thank you to the brown eyed sister who stopped to coo at my babe. Thank you for noticing my two year old's enthusiasm for life, shall we, and giving my back a pat while telling me how sweet they are, even though I know we look remotely like we have spent the week with some type of small wild animals in our midst. Our skirts whipping out in that Fall wind,exchanging words about her grandchildren and my baby were my cup of coffee for the heart that day. It was my moment of community for the week, this stranger provided friendship in those two minutes and my heart was encouraged. Really, she wasn't a stranger, because girls, we are all in this together. 

Gratefulness,

thanksgiving,

and many praises to those dear hearts, the encouragers.

It is so easy to put our heads down and worm our way into our own thoughts and not notice those around us. We march about like ants on a mission. Busyness, exhaustion, routine, and a day in age where neighbouring seems to be a bit of a lost art seems to have us all shuffling on our own path.

So, sisters, remember all it takes is a smile, a word of encouragement, or that extra hand someone may need and you are not only giving someone else hope, but placing extra meaning in your life. You, YOU, the revitaliser, you are appreciated!

For the mama with an empty nest, thank you for your kindness. You are valued!

For the Grandma whose grandchildren are so far away, and when your hand reaches out, I am thankful. You matter!

For the mama in the same boat as I, with a full heart, and full hands thank you for your moment to say 'I understand.' You are precious!





16 comments:

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

and YOU... put a light in their life on this day too, I have no doubt. Happy Thanksgiving, Cheyenne and family -

Unknown said...

I needed to read this today :)

Thank you dear friend, your words are always so kind and uplifting.

Pom Pom said...

What a beautiful post, Cheyenne. I love your kind and porous heart.

Rachel said...

I love your posts, friend! This is beautiful. :)

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

beautifully written. True words and a kind heart.

Sally said...

So beautifully written. I was immediately thinking of my granddaughter as I read. She has a 7 y/o daughter, a 2 y/o daughter and expecting a boy in December. I hope people will be kind to her as those have been with you on that day.

Take care, and God bless.

Alicia said...

Beautiful, gratitudes and thankfulness. A favorite weekend of reflective memories. Thank you my friend for painting these pictures. Your gentle soul blesses me. I love you.

Steph said...

I would much rather have an understanding look that some of those "evil eye" looks some give you. You know they've never been in your shoes.

Anonymous said...

As comforting as a cool breeze on a warm sunny day. Chey, you always see the beauty in everyday things. You are a gift, a treasure loved by those sweet babes & loved by all those blessed to know you. Kind words wonderful heart. Thank YOU!
💗Barb

Gumbo Lily said...

And YOU, yes you, hard-working mama with determination on your face and weariness in your eyes. You, who take the time to listen to your children and do the next thing because it's too far out there to see the other thing coming up. YOU encourage all of us moms who have been in your shoes. We sing your praise, we hope to encourage you, we want you to succeed, and we want you to know what it is when your children rise up and call you Blessed. Hang in there. It's all worth it. We're here for you, Mama!

Jaimi_C said...

Bless those ladies for their help and understanding, and bless you for such a wonderful post and for hanging in there!

Anonymous said...

Such AMAZING posts! This is a true inspiration - you make the world a brighter place!!

Jenn Jantz said...

there is this quote- they might not remember what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel...

its been on my mind so much this last week... this- that its the little smiles, touches of love that matter... i am so thankful for these people that reached out to you...
its these small things that can make our world beautiful...
xo

quintuplicatemom said...

Thanks friend, you have been an incredible inspiration to me!

Crystal Cattle said...

Very good advice. I don't have children yet, but I think these are all things I will need to hear one day! I am going to share on the Rockin Rural Women facebook page.
www.crystalcattle.com

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Cheyenne, this is a wonderful post that I hadn't seen before. It's written directly from your heart to the hearts of all of us women. I hope it reaches the many women who need to hear your encouragement.

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