This week has been a shock to my system. We are up early and out the door every day and both girls are going to different places and in different directions. It is quite a change from how we spent the last year, which is essentially at home.
Nor does it feel like summer, except for the heat, because we are back in school while everyone else is out for summer break.
With the girls busy in the mornings, I have been trying to get our life and home back in order after being away. And I have been so tired that all the work that needs to be done feels like drudgery. I clean up the litter box and chase after the kittens. I sort, wash, and dry our many loads of laundry, which now consists of whites, darks, and pinks.
I change diapers, put on bandaids, and kiss boo-boos. I locate, attach, and test implants. I clean up dishes, trash, and messes. I organize toys, shoes, and hair bows. And I pick up, pick up, and pick up – things I haven’t seen in ages and things I just put away five minutes ago – all day long. It gets tedious.
But I am trying to remember that our grounding in life is in the small things and that it is in the small things where our hearts connect with our children’s hearts; at meals, over books and games, and during bath time and bedtime.
And it is in how I do the small things that brings glory to God and serves as a witness to my children. Bcause my children are always there, watching and listening to me, talking and sharing with me.
And so often, I don’t do the small things with joy. And I don’t do them cheerfully. And way too often, I sigh about them.
Because I am tired. And because I am sinful. And because some times I just want to be left alone, or at least be able to eat a meal sitting down.
I am working again on finding joy in the small things; cooking with my girls in the late afternoon; reading with Lilla in bed during the heat of the day; playing with Bette and seeing her face light up when she hears a new sound for the first time; and being outside in the warm evenings after dinner as a family.
And again, I am praying more. I pray for joy. And I pray for peace. And I pray for patience. And I pray that the Lord fills me up with His Spirit of love and joy and sacrifice. And I pray that His Spirit would flow from my life into the lives of my children, and that our home would be filled with Jesus’ light and love.
I LOVE your site! Carrie Neal Walden suggested that I give it a look. I’m in the midst of writing a children’s book series while I travel. She thought you would be a great reference.
One thing that I experienced while living in Bali for the past 3 months was the daily offerings that every single household made every day. I never wrote an article on it and probably should have, it is a symbol that we are surrounded by blessings. It would be a fun activity for you and your girls to do together and a way of helping to keep you calm and steady. Plus they are just absolutely beautiful.
http://amandasbigworldadventure.com/top-10-reasons-to-love-bali/
Now that I am here in Nepal I am experiencing offerings made in a completely different manner. The idea that I love of both is that those making the offerings and blessings are sharing symbols of their faith.