Nov 30, 2009

Of Vacuums and Friends


A son after my own heart.
When under stress, one of my best stress relievers besides prayer, is vacuuming. Today I cried, I prayed and I vacuumed. I even vacuumed the stairs, just for a little more relief.
It helped.
Or at least I *think* it did.
My girlfriend came over and swept me away for a few hours-I tried to cancel with her...but she refused to take "no," for an answer. She wanted to be with me. Can you imagine that?
She brought me to Starbucks, which I have given up, in order to save for the Princess Sweetness' adoption. Then do you know what she did, she bought my coffee. She told me to stop saying thank you, as however many times I said it was one too many for her. ;-) I am lousy at receiving, another one of my many faults.
How wonderful to be plunked down with strong coffee and a good friend.
My other two girlfriends met us and we spent a couple of hours talking about life. My friends rearranged the furniture, saying we needed a little nest to cosy up in, as we gathered our hearts and minds together. The time slipped quickly away as we shared with each other.
I am so thankful for their friendship and for their understanding of my love for vacuuming. How good it is to be loved and accepted just as I am. How good it is to have friends. Thankfully all of them are also sisters in the Lord. Holding each other tightly through life, as we seek God in the place each of us is standing.
"Life has no pleasure higher or nobler than that of friendship."
~Samuel Johnson
How do you relieve stress?

12 comments:

Quinne said...

Hi Kimmie :) It sounds like a lovely time! What dear friends you have.

I relieve stress right here - reading the journals I love - and planning. Love to you! Q

Renee said...

You have precious friends!!!

I declutter when I am stressed.

Amy said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is better at giving than receiving!! I have the hardest time letting other people do things for me too!

Karen said...

What wonderful friends! I play piano (if I can manage with the "help" I get from the little ones), read a book, clean the house, and my favorite...call my sister and talk!

Mindy said...

What a friend, to understand that your NO really meant, "Yes I NEED to go!" I am so thankful the Lord has surrounded you with His servants that will minister to all your needs. I also am thankful that you do this for many, many others. You have learned to give and receive blessings - both are crucial to our faith.

I relieve stress with any or all of the following ingredients, the Word, prayer, another Christian, coffee, chocolate,a good Christian book, my computer and more coffee.

Anna said...

Oooh, look at that paypal counter! Praise God!

Renata said...

What beautiful friends you have there Kimmie - such a blessing from God. I also have trouble receiving gifts.
Do you know that my pastors wife also vacuums when she's tense/upset etc. (((hugs))) Hoping you have a happier day - & what a wonderful son you have there helping with the housework.

Rebecca Ann said...

Yes cleaning and praying are two big stress releavers in my life as well. And talking and crying! :)

You have great friends, and yes having talks with friends, your bestest sister, mother and the like always help me to get rid of stress too! I don't know what I would do without them all!

I will be praying for you family and the adoption!

SF said...

Thanks so much for your sweet comment Kimmie, it really made my day! I love the thought of your girls singing along with it. :)
And I love this post of yours. So glad you have girlfriends like that. I need to be more proactive supporting friends who I know are going through difficult times. Thank you for the reminder! If I were in the USA I'd take you out for a coffee, too. :) xo

SF said...

Oh and to de-stress..... I pray, I walk outside so I'm under the sky, and I breathe!! Deep breathing. :) I get away for a bit, or make a cup of tea, or check emails, or anything to make me feel more "up". Phoning a friend is also nice. :)
Blessings and prayers,
Saminda xo

Adina said...

Cleaning and organizing are great stress relievers!

I really miss many of my friends from the States. I am blessed to be meeting new people who will hopefully become friends in the future.

Tammy said...

What a wonderful blessing friends are! I'm so glad they swept you off your feet, carried you away, and blessed you with their comfort and care for a few hours :-)

Ohhhh, cleaning tends to be my stress reliever. Or eating chocolate...hee hee...

Blessings,
Tammy ~@~

Blog Widget by LinkWithin