Do You Really Know Me?

“Do you know me, Bert? Do you really know me?” (George Bailey)

This is one of my favorite lines from It’s a Wonderful Life. I think we all long for people to really KNOW us.

I’m not saying this to get sympathy from anyone, but here’s the deal.

I’m lonely a lot of the times, and I wish I had some girlfriends to hang out with.

I have friends that I’ve known for a long time, and we would be there in a heartbeat for each other. I have friends I go to Bible study with. However, I don’t have anyone who calls me regularly, just to say hello, to go out to dinner, who invites my family over for a meal. And I have to say that I think it’s really sad. Are people just too busy?

It’s been 7 years since we left Missouri, and I miss my friends. One time, I won some tickets to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I invited some friends, we arrived late and had to sit in the very first rows. While that was physically uncomfortable, it was so much fun. Afterwards, we went out for dinner.

And there was the time my friend, Laura, and I went to see 13 Going on 30 together. We laughed… we cried.  And it was wonderful.

In AR, we had some really good friends, and he was also our pastor. They immediately showed us love, and we became very close in the three years we were there. We even had the same anniversary date, same day and year! So we celebrated a lot together. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays... We miss them terribly. The great thing is when we do see each other, it's like no time ever passed. We'd really like to find friends like that here!

Our quest for finding a church is ongoing, but I think we’ve found a church close to home that we’ll keep attending. Our 17 year-old son even likes it, which I think is a win. I’m really hoping, as I’ve mentioned before, that we find some friends there. So far, the pastors know our names, and that’s about it. But, we’ve only been three times.

Will you do me a big favor? I am going to ask something important of you.

After you read this post, think about it, pray about it, do whatever, but call a friend. Ask how her/his day was. Ask him/her over for dinner, out to a movie, something to show you care.

I’m sure there are lots of people in the world who feel like I do. And YOU can do something about it.

So get out there! Do something worth doing. Show some love to a friend.

Love At Last Sight - Kerry and Chris Shook

As you know by now, I love to read.  I'm not much for fiction, but these real stories really get to me.  When I initially looked at this book to review, I thought it would be about marriage.  I was surprised to find out it was not only about marriage but about the most important relationships in our lives.  Honestly, who wouldn't benefit from making our relationships better?

I think anyone and everyone could benefit from reading this book.  It is practical in its application, gives many scriptural references and asks tough questions that people really need to think about.

It is made to be used for a four-week (thirty-day) study, and the chapters are relevant to real life.  The weeks are broken up this way: The Art of Being All There, The Art of Acting Intentionally, The Art of Risking Awkwardness, and the Art of Letting Go. And then there are daily readings and questions/Challenges.  Not only did I appreciate these subjects that were presented in the book, I appreciated the quotes that were given throughout.  For instance, "If you are going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill" (p.105).  And "Be willing to be uncomfortable.  Be comfortable being uncomfortable.  It may get tough, but it's a small price to pay for living a dream. Peter McWilliams" (p.119).  These quotes may seem insignificant or small to some, but to me, they were right on target with life.

I did not use this book as the thirty-day study, but I am seriously considering it.  Who wouldn't want to make their relationships better?  I know I do.  I think we all have a lot of work to do inside our most intimate relationships, and Love At Last Sight gives great tools and information that is useful in everyday life.  I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.