Dear Loved Ones,
What a fun October! Addison and Dodson were fighting colds for the first couple of weeks, which had me feeling pretty discouraged. Green noses and coughs mean cancelled playdates, not spreading germs at Sunday school, and spending more time at home. There have been seasons where I have given into the discouragement, cozied into my little borrow, and allowed isolation to breed discontentment and anxiety. Not this year!
Fall Fun
Our new favorite pumpkin patch!  |
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Pumpin Carving
Halloween: a great excuse to dress up, walk our town with friends, and visit our neighbors!
The Heart of Our Father
Last fall (I think it was) I was a part of a Mom's group at our church that was going through a book called "Craving Connection". At the time Dodson was so little, we were really struggling with nursing, and honestly I just wasn't ready to receive the message that it had to offer me. I picked it up again this summer and God has really used it to help me see the areas of my heart that need to push through fear and build relationships around me, and the areas that can rest in gratitude for the relationships that He has built, even when I felt like I had nothing to offer.
As if finding this book during our move wasn't miracle enough, because God has a Father's heart, He also specifically place us in a neighborhood that would give me ample opportunity to build meaningful relationships right out our front door. When we were searching for our home we could have never known that this little house would expand our world so much in such a short time. But it wasn't buying a home that truly changed my heart. Looking back, I now see that there were people who pursued me even when I didn't want to open my door or accept the invite. There were days that I chose to close my heart and only invest in the people within my home, because that's what felt safe.
If you knew my story you would agree that I have very good reasons not to trust people that date all the way back to my childhood, but that is not what this post is about. Today I want to encourage you. If you are in a season where you are feeling lonely or have a desire to be known, but feel too tired or afraid to let someone in, please just say yes. It will probably take everything in you, but you never know how God will use someone in your life to spark hope and show you His love for you, His passion for you, and how He wants to bring you to life. Just like we would never let our own children face their fear, sadness, or anxiety alone...neither will He. But just like we can't take that first step, start to climb the ladder, or say "hi" for our little ones, neither can our Heavenly Father. We have to show up even on the hard days if we want our lives to change. If you need prayer or encourage please let me know. I know I do 😊.
Love,
Heather Dawn
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