Gift 7 - For the Kiddos

I set up a playdate today for my kids, a gift that is for them as well as for me.  The date was with a friend of my son, who just happens to have a little sister to play with our little girl, and a Mommy who I like very much.  I am hoping that she will become a friend as our boys move through their school years together. 

I've always had trouble making new friends.  I would say that I have a lot of friends now, but it has always been difficult for me to initiate a friendship with someone new.  I tend to rely on the familiar - friends from high school, friends I meet through other friends, friends of my husband's, and even family members who I consider "friends".   As my son begins his school career, I am hoping to make new friends with other parents.  I'm not expecting to instantly bond with several people, but I am hoping for one person that I can look for in the crowd of faces at school events, and know that someone else is looking forward to seeing me too. 

I am hoping that this "Mommy" will become that face in the crowd for me, my lifelink through elementary school.  My prayer of gratitude is for her today, and to our potential friendship that is just beginning.  I also say a prayer for our boys, that they will continue to form a lifelong friendship. 

And, while I'm at it, I am also quite grateful for the new coffee she introduced me to today.  Thanks for the coffee, friend!