These days it’s a little hard to think of “speechery things.” I’m now on my 5th straight day of “freeze days” (aka “snow days”) and am getting a little antsy. So today I’m writing about Nicole-lover of Jesus, terrified to be a mom, often clumsy and silly Nicole. Not the speech therapist Nicole.
“Serve”
Such a small word but soooo incredibly powerful. This year I vowed to do better in this area.
Hands and feet. Hands and feet…..
I’m sorry to admit though, I’ve often failed in this area. With baby coming, all I can think about is that pack of “thank yous” sitting on my desk that really need to be mailed, the tons of laundry that is practically yelling my name and what to pack in a hospital bag. Not that these things are bad-at all. But I’ve been spent cocooned up in my nice warm little house thinking just of me for faaar too long.
Once again, the phone rang last night with the predicted news. I can almost tell by the sound of the ring who is on the other end: the message from our superintendent “We will not be having school tomorrow.” So I have another day to spend how I chose. Well, today I’m choosing to serve.
So this pregnant woman did what is becoming a little harder these days. I bent over and hiked up the warmest Ugg books I could find around the house. I have two beautifully-lovely widows across the street. With temperatures at -20, who knows how long they’ve been stuck inside. Some delicious soup might warm their hearts.
I also have two friends who recently became new moms on my list today. Again, who knows how long it’s been since they’ve been able to get out, much less enjoy some adult time. For them, I packed some warm drinks to share. There’s something about hot cocoa (with mini marshmallows) that makes conversations with friends even warmer!
Okay, so that’s all from this “speechie-on-the-side” today. Whether you’re stuck in -20 weather or enjoying the sunshine, I pray you will find some areas this year to serve and love others.
Come as you are. Leave encouraged.
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Lauren LaCour says
January 29, 2014 at 4:15 pmI was just praying this morning about being “servant of all.” It’s such a blessing to read this post and see how others are also serving in a world where that’s not the norm. Thanks for this Nicole! P.S. I’m stuck inside for my 2nd snow day in a row too! Stay warm!
Lauren
Nicole Allison says
January 29, 2014 at 11:43 pmThanks Lauren! I really start to get antsy being in the house and it felt amazing to visit with other people for awhile! Hope you had fun on your snow day!
Felice Clark says
January 29, 2014 at 4:47 pmThanks for the reminder that I am not the only one “struggling” with serving others! I have tunnel vision most days, but have been making it a goal to read my bible each day even if just a verse because that’s the first place to start. I hope I can keep this momentum! It is hard to find ways to serve others beyond your family once you become a mom because you are craving for “alone time” whenever you can get it and don’t want to share that time for someone else unless it benefits ME in some. Just being honest here. Love the idea and so grateful you stepped out to help!
Nicole Allison says
January 29, 2014 at 11:45 pmYou are definitely not the only one struggling, Felice! I do everyday! I love your goal! I actually got this app on my phone “YouVersion” (free) that comes with all sorts of devotional plans. It’s super easy now to whip out my phone and read a few verses when I need them.
CC says
January 29, 2014 at 5:48 pmLove! I have been really not good about serving this year. 🙁 Unless serving my family counts!
Nicole Allison says
January 29, 2014 at 11:46 pmUmmm…CC, sometimes family can be the hardest ones to serve! You constantly remind me of serving and set such a good example through your blog to others like me!
SpeechSpace says
January 29, 2014 at 6:47 pmWhat a sweet gesture, good for you!
Nicole Allison says
January 29, 2014 at 11:46 pmThank you! Hope you’ve been staying warm!
annied says
January 29, 2014 at 11:39 pmYour post truly exemplifies the teaching of Jesus. Not only did you serve, but you led. You’ve reminded and inspired others to do the same. Hands and feet; servant leadership You got it, girl!
Nicole Allison says
January 29, 2014 at 11:47 pmThanks so much for your encouragement! Serving is so hard sometimes. I’m glad to have reminders every now and then!
Miss DeCarbo says
January 29, 2014 at 11:51 pmBeautiful. 🙂 I always feel so inspired when I visit your blog. Thanks for sharing your day with us! 🙂
Miss DeCarbo at Sugar and Spice
flamingonutjudy says
January 30, 2014 at 6:10 amGoing to look for that app for the phone! Could always find time to read a few verses at lunch time. I feel so guilty for living in Southern California and we have had nothing but nice weather this January, but NO RAIN, and we are desperate for water. I volunteer with the Baptism Ministry at the church we attend, but that’s only once a month, so I feel like I should be doing more. I get bogged down in paperwork, and writing such complete reports that they take hours to do–need to streamline it, but it is hard not to write a great report because I would want that if it were my child’s report.
What a nice person you are to go out in the awful weather to bring cheer and joy to others, especially those older neighbors. I am sure they love living near you! Wish you lived near me, I don’t do cold!
Meg says
January 31, 2014 at 2:18 pmThis was very nice to read! It also made me start to think about the people that live near me who are also probably getting sick of the cold and I could easily reach out to them – even if it is just to take them some food. Thank you for sharing your heart and challenging me to look at how I am serving others as well! ~In Christ, Megan