As much as we enjoy (“enjoy” is a bit of an overstatement, this line of projects has been a stretch for our skills or lack there of) doing these DIY projects and pushing through on our own there are many times, in home renovation and life in general that we just can’t do it on our own. We have to rely on friends and family.

I look back on seasons in motherhood in particular and the times I was on my own and setting up life for us, I was most drained and isolated. Not because of the exhaustion of moving but from not being recharged by friendships and the encouragement that comes from relying on others. Wouldn’t it be nice to think that I could be supermom or super DIYer and  not need anyone to pull me through? For a split second while the self-sufficiency was still patting me on the back maybe, but as soon as the pat let up I would be keenly aware of how lonely it was to do it on my own. I love the community of family and friends we have developed in each and every home and in our current new space.  It has been so hard at times to cultivate it and it takes many months, even years but the work is so worth it.

I never could have imagined how much our friends and family would have to jump in with this house gig. From looking at houses with our realtor, checking out the engineering of our deck (thank goodness my brother is an engineer!), watching our children while we worked, to helping me paint molding on each and every rung of the stairs. The list goes on. And goodness knows we never would have made it out of Switzerland without the endless hours of garage-saling, corralling kids and cleaning from our dear friends there. Many times we didn’t even ask for help people just jumped in or called to offer help. You may remember when some of our friends surprised us and came to the house before we arrived and cleaned up the yard.  At the time I was so resistant to feeling like we needed to be rescued. My friend reminded me that each one of them had moved and renovated homes in the past couple of years and not one of them had done it all on their own. There are days when the projects are flowing and our energies are high and there are days when you just need a friend to pop in with enthusiasm and encourage you on your way!

this picture frame came with us from Switzerland. This was not a necessary house fix up project but I had a crazy idea to hang it in our entry way. I love that it is ornate but simple and filled that random space. Our friends were here for dinner one night and the guys helped Seth hang it. True friendship huh?!   I did feed them well when they were done! And the ladies had great entertainment watching them get it done!  Each time I see it now I am reminded of the friends who helped hang it! Reminders that this place is not put together on our own!

What project are you currently postponing because you need some help? Call up a family member or friend. It’s likely your friend would love to be asked and would love to feel needed and it is likely that your time together working on it will be a boost for both of you!  Or if you know of a friend who is working on a project call and ask how you can help! You don’t always have to be an expert in something to offer moral support!