Not much is new around here in terms of Grandma or the kids. But, what is new for me, is opening myself up to time with people who care about me and invest in me. I’ve got more than a little bit going on. Not to mention a full time job, a couple kids, a husband, and a dog to take care of. But, one thing I’ve been learning in this season of life is that I need people, and sometimes people need me. And, people are better than work every day.

My birthday was this past weekend. It was cold and snowy, and my kids were out of school 3 days the week before. And, I got nothing checked off my list I needed to check off, my house was a mess, and I was falling farther behind at work. Did I mention that I hate cold weather. I’m seriously not even a real big fan of pretty snow. Don’t hate me, but I don’t care if I never have another sledding day with my family. I’ll make memories at the beach every day of the year. Cold/snow… just not my thing. My kids now sound like barking seals, and in the back of my head I am sure they are dying of pneumonia. And, it ruined my birthday. Everyone asked how my birthday was, I said fine or good. That was a lie. It truly sucked. I didn’t get to go out with friends Friday night. I laid in bed and cried and felt sorry for myself all day Saturday. We didn’t go to Adelle’s as planned for dinner. People I thought would call or text to say happy birthday didn’t. I just wasn’t a happy camper. I threw myself a big ole pity party, and if you know me, you know I throw a mean party. I better get a redo on my birthday. Not sure when that will be, but it needs to happen.

So anyway, that was a tangent. Back to the point of needing people. It’s only Wednesday, but already this week, I’ve spent hours with 2 different friends just catching up and chatting. And, you know what, it was the best! Normally, there is no way in the world I would just “waste” a couple hours in the middle of a very busy week to talk life with my friends. But, my soul needed it. And, the crazy thing is, I am no further behind now than I was when I got started Monday morning. Sometimes, we just have to let ourselves stop and invest in people. Invest in friendships, invest in love. I know I am so very thankful these friends stopped part of their day to invest in me.

Will you do me a favor? The next time someone comes to mind, take an unexpected break. Take 5 minutes to call them on the phone. If you only have 30 seconds shoot them a text. If you feel like God is telling you to do more, just do it. Maybe they need flowers. Maybe they’re struggling and need a Kroger gift card. Maybe you need to deliver a devotional, or a bottle of wine. Maybe you need to take them out to lunch. But, don’t ignore those moments that God is trying to work through you to encourage one of His precious children.