Last week, I joined a Catholic moms group as a first step toward finding the type of faith community I want. I reasoned that there are lots of moms groups available, so if a mom chose to join a Catholic group, she probably values her faith. Today, one mom hosted an Epiphany party at her home. Including my two, there were six kids; everyone had a good time and enjoyed a faith-filled celebration of this holy day.
It was exhausting.
All weekend I've been nervous about this gathering. What if they're all friends already and just politely tolerate me? What if I don't like them? What if no one else is good at making conversation, either, and the event just drags? What if it's not particularly Catholic? What if I do something stupid?
I told Peter our plans this morning. He was not excited. I'm not sure if he picked up on my unease or if he's just as introverted as I am.
"We could just keep our hummus at home, Mommy."
"But we're going to take it with us when we go meet new friends."
"Are Grams and Papa going to go with us?"
"No, Papa is at work and Grams is probably still asleep."
"Maybe we could just go visit them later."
Anyway, despite our misgivings, all of us had a wonderful time. We played, conversed, ate, and prayed together, forming the beginnings of friendship. Peter made a crown and devoured the Goldfish crackers available as a snack. I found three other moms whom I'd like to see again.
When we got home, all of us slept until it was time to get Jeremy from work. Socializing really takes it out of us. But we did it! And next time it will be less intimidating. And maybe some day soon I'll be able to casually say, "Yeah, I was out with some friends the other day..."
It was exhausting.
All weekend I've been nervous about this gathering. What if they're all friends already and just politely tolerate me? What if I don't like them? What if no one else is good at making conversation, either, and the event just drags? What if it's not particularly Catholic? What if I do something stupid?
I told Peter our plans this morning. He was not excited. I'm not sure if he picked up on my unease or if he's just as introverted as I am.
"We could just keep our hummus at home, Mommy."
"But we're going to take it with us when we go meet new friends."
"Are Grams and Papa going to go with us?"
"No, Papa is at work and Grams is probably still asleep."
"Maybe we could just go visit them later."
Anyway, despite our misgivings, all of us had a wonderful time. We played, conversed, ate, and prayed together, forming the beginnings of friendship. Peter made a crown and devoured the Goldfish crackers available as a snack. I found three other moms whom I'd like to see again.
When we got home, all of us slept until it was time to get Jeremy from work. Socializing really takes it out of us. But we did it! And next time it will be less intimidating. And maybe some day soon I'll be able to casually say, "Yeah, I was out with some friends the other day..."
