when you're in the season of receiving

It's a hard thing, accepting help. It's one I've gotten better at, for sure, but it's still hard. Especially now, when I'm in the season of receiving.

It may seem small to the giver, but it is not. Whether it's a meal (or two meals every week for two months), a grocery run, a text saying "Hey, can I snuggle your crabby baby for an hour so you can go for a run?", a stop at our house-for-sale to shovel off the driveway before a showing, a restaurant gift card, or a store credit set up by friends that leads to these beauties:

It is not small. It is not no big deal. It is wonderful, and it is so, so appreciated. You are so appreciated. We all encounter difficult times in our lives, and I don't know how people get through them without leaning on those around them. My village is the best. That's all there is to it. You. Are. The. Best.

To those who are receiving: It's okay to accept help. It is good to accept help. You are worthy. You deserve it. Don't for a moment think otherwise. (She said, mostly to reassure herself.) Lean on your village and be grateful. And then, when you are out of this season, do what you can to pay it forward.

To those who are giving: Your generosity is more appreciated than us receivers can say. It will not be forgotten. Sometimes you may feel taken advantage of, and sometimes you will be taken advantage of, but please don't stop giving. You are amazing.