October 25, 2007 | Mama Smith

partnership

One thing we prayed long and hard about during our transitional move to SC was the hope of finding deep, meaningful friendships. This is always a fear when one uproots and finds a new home three states away. We have been surprised to find ourselves so suddenly neck deep in a pool of new, rich friends.

Matthew regularly meets with a group of guy friends every Tuesday evening. I then claimed Monday night with a few girls as an escape from our kiddy-filled homes. Neither of us are quite sure what we would do without the partnership we’ve found through these people. I, for one, probably would have bought a one-way ticket to Mexico by now.

But sitting around a cozy table in a hip, downtown restaurant, drinking a prickly pear margarita with these close friends, laughing about the insanity of natural childbirth, our lack of desire to care about what our kids wear, the delicate balance of loving others despite differences…I felt alive. I felt like a woman again. I felt my own desires, hopes and passions rise to the surface after being smothered by loads of laundry, cheerios underfoot, and dirty diapers all week. I felt mysteriously free of mothering, yet more in love with my family because I could be revived in the company of other women who deeply knew what this journey of motherhood is about.

I often forget how deeply partnership is woven through our core. How would I loose sight of that in light of the Trinity? Friendship, intimacy, being known. Being made in His image it only makes sense that my soul needs this.

Matthew and I are often amazed at how this time away with friends so mysteriously stirs our hearts for each other and our children. I am a richer women when I return after a night out with the girls. He is a more tender, powerful man when he arrives home after this time when his friends. We are encouraged by Christ’s faithfulness to care for our hearts and provide this new partnership for each of us here in Greenville.

Since I’ve been taking a break from the internet world lately, I guess I should give you faithful readers an update on the boys, since that is why 80% of you read this anyhow.

Levi is crawling and climbing and flirting with any eye he can catch. He adores his older brother and any attention B will stoop to offer him. Even if that is getting sat on. The 9 month old mark will be here in just another week. How time flies with two kiddos under one roof.

Brighton could not be happier. He daily talks about his cousins, and usually gets to see them at least a few times throughout the week. He also enjoys the zoo being a mere 2 miles away. Which we frequent at least 3 times a week. Being such a small zoo, there rarely is anyone else around, which means Brighton gets free reign over animal kingdom. He is talking up a storm and fully enjoying being a 2 year old. And he is deeply devoted to his Bob the Builder truck crew. Deeply devoted. All seven trucks accompany him around the house constantly in our wine-box-turned-building-yard. They bathe with him, sleep in his bed, and otherwise manage to convince Brighton that his world revolves around them.

Lastly, if any of you foodies out there are in the mood for some killer fall recipes, we had an insane Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup the other night. And Grilled Brats with a Creamy Apple Compote last evening. Where has this cooking energy come from?! I’m not quite sure, but our belly’s sure aren’t complaining. Email for the recipes.

More to come on our life here in SC as I slowly find a rhythm to our daily living, and regain some energy to re-engage the web world.