Last week I received a bag covered and containing wonderful words.  Hopefully for the ladies in our Moms Connect group the gift was at least partly a surprise, although they were all involved in providing the words –  the description of each others blessings, they didn’t know how the words would be used or presented.

We made a special effort to not be involved in the process for ourselves – so as two of us had the privilege of typing up the blessings written by the other ladies we made sure we did not see the ones written to us and when the five of us sat to write onto the bags, we again ensured that we did not make our own bags.

So, although I was fully party to the process, it was still a very special moment to sit and read what others had said to me.

This Mother’s Day (that my diary tells me is for Australia, Canada & USA), my husband was away on a work trip.  For the last two years we have attended a brunch hosted by a friend and as this would be our last opportunity to attend I accepted the invite as a two rather than a three.  Each year we have been fed an amazing brunch, which has taken days of preparation as recipes have been tried and tested with everything being made from scratch.  The women are all banned from the kitchen and shouted down if they lift a finger to help serve or clear a single dish.  The men serve and we get to indulge in food and conversation.

This years brunch consisted of: Apple Roses, Loaded Mashed Potato Cups, Twice-baked Breakfast Popovers, Egg & Bacon Hash Brown Nests and Little Lemon Drop Muffins.

We sat in the garden and enjoyed every course, rising only to refill glasses and coffee cups and to take turns to check on the children.

A Women’s Conference – Friday evening & Saturday morning.  This is the first time that I have been to this conference.  This year I was able to organise childcare around my husbands work commitments and travel.  This year I didn’t want to miss out on an opportunity when I know I won’t be here for the next time it takes place.  This year I felt able to step out of my comfort zone and expose my heart to a different style of worship and a conference of faith.  Two years ago I probably wasn’t ready for this type of event, but this is my season and I loved all of it!

MOPs this week was the last of the sessions before summer commences.  I had completely forgotten about the circle – this is the third time I have been part of that circle and it is one of power and impact.  Each women is asked how MOPs has impacted on their life and it is big stuff!

I listen to the women in the room and it pulls on your heart strings – the gratitude, the difference we make in the lives of moms, the friendships that have grown, the love that pours out to one another.  I cry every time!  I’m incoherent every time I try to speak!

A description of sisterhood, a safe place of no judgement, a place to share the crazy, a family, a tribe.  It’s big stuff, it’s needed and it’s important.  In this modern age where it is hard to find your village, showing up and just being there does so much.  Meeting women in their season where they are at and spending time is precious to give and to receive.

So many blessings!  I am truly  grateful to all the amazing women I have met on my adventure here in the desert.  It can be a harsh barren landscape, but if you look you can see the beauty, there is an abundance of life and when the water pours there is a fierce flourishing.