A Time to Talk
by Robert Frost
When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don’t stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven’t hoed,
and shout from where I am, What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
The church we’ve been attending is going through a series on community building. It’s been good, and, in light of some significant changes we’re in the process of making as a family, very timely.
It is easy for me to hide in my house behind my responsibilities and behind my personality. However, I’m finding that not only do I do myself a disservice with this behavior, but I’m less inclined to allow my children the freedom to build community with their friends as well. It isn’t exactly that we don’t have time; I just don’t choose to make the time we do have work to that advantage.
Tonight I’m joining the ladies from the small group for coffee. Tomorrow night I’m going out with a group of like-minded homeschooling mamas I know.
It’s time – time I normally reserve for jammies and reading and computer and sewing and…me. I’ve missed out in real life by not pursuing these opportunities. Tonight I will attempt to begin to change.
I will take a time to talk. I will slow my horse to a meaning walk. I’m thrusting my hoe in the (frozen) ground and going up to the stone wall.
I hope for a friendly visit. And also for community to begin in my heart and in my life.
Half-Pint House 
Good on you, Megan.
Of all the things that we can spend time on, I get the impression from Scripture that the thing that matters most to God is our investment in and treatment of others. There’s a bit of a grief in realizing that (for me at least!)because it means that all the nice other things I would rather spend my time on have to take second place- always. That’s hard, because people are hard! I pray that you are richly blessed – and thanks for this reminder about priorities.
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So excited for you- I know that can be hard to do. Great thoughts you shared.
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Well, it was really more “a time to listen” – I just don’t do the small group thing very well. But maybe that will change if I keep going?
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every successful small group needs good listeners. they set the example for the overtalkers (i can easily be one). they are the ones who don’t talk often, but when they do it is definitely worth listening to.
way to go megan…and Holy Spirit who is working out the change in your heart:) m
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Ouch! I see me in this. We had a snow day yesterday, and we spent most of the day at a friend’s. I wasn’t working or cleaning or cooking-I was just present with our friends. It was hard, but I felt better last night than I have in a long time.
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I am glad the Lord is leading you in this direction. Not only do you do yourself and your kids a disservice, but a lot of peope miss out on knowing you. That is a disservice to them, too. You have a ton to offer as a friend and small group member. I know I sure have appreciated getting to know you as a friend. :o)
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We’d be glad to join in your quest for developing community. And my K would love to spend time with your girls. Give us a call when you’re ready…
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