Simple Pleasures

In the past, particularly when I was working full-time, I really didn't take the time to enjoy the subtleties of life.  A sunset, flowers blooming, the beauty of the sky, the sound of the rain; all of the little moments that make life so special.  I was too busy working or worrying about work; wishing life away to get to the next weekend, month, summer, etc.  Then Grace came along and, at first, in the fog of my new mommyhood, I couldn't really see past myself.

Then something happened. As Grace was growing and discovering her world, I re-discovered my own, and realized all of those little things I'd been missing for so long. I guess that's part of the beauty of children; they remind us of who we used to be.  They bring back the curiosity and optimism we once had.  Their energy is unstoppable and contagious (well, maybe not that contagious). Their spirit, fearless.  And, they couldn't care less what other people think of them.  Imagine that.

Grace is, as most children of her age are, very inquisitive and independent.  She wants to know what everything is, how everything works, and she wants to do it herself, or at least help.  By slowing down, albeit reluctantly sometimes, she has taught me patience (although, plenty of room for improvement still remains) and helped me to embrace life's little idiosyncrasies.  She doesn't care if the laundry is put away (actually, she prefers that it's not), whether I cook a meal or order a pizza, or if I exercise three days a week or not.  She just wants love, attention, and the freedom to investigate the big, big world unfolding in front of her.  And I'm so very happy to serve as her ambassador to it. 

This spring has been the best of any in memory, despite my allergies.  I think my renewed love of photography has helped me to focus on and appreciate the little details in nature that I never gave much thought to.  The contrast between dark branches, yellow leaves, and the brilliant, blue sky.  The rich, golden light that dances over creation and sets faces aglow an hour before sunset.  The beauty of water, whether it's in a lake, flowing from a watering can or drinking fountain, or lying still in a puddle.  There's so much out there if you just take the time to look.  And with Grace, you do a lot of looking.

With the transition from spring to summer fast approaching, and Dave's last days of school this week, I'm looking forward to re-discovering more of the simple pleasures in life, together as a family, and taking in all that I can.

Thank you, Grace, for constantly inspiring me to do more and to be better, but also to just be still and be me sometimes.  I sure do love you...

Where's the Snow?

Now that I don't "work," and fortunately, don't have to worry about traveling on the winter roads, I could really go for a good snow storm or two.  If it's going to be cold, it might as well snow...that's my philosophy, especially since we are not responsible for shoveling our sidewalks or driveway.  And especially since a really good storm would almost guarantee a snow-day for Dave, and we love those.

Today, I've been watching the news and I am admittedly a little jealous about the big storm that's going to miss us and hit the Mid-Atlantic states.  Grace and I have been waiting for weeks now to see the "doe-boyer" and the "no-man," and by the looks of things, they're not coming any time soon.  Rats...

C'mon snow!  Can you change your course and swing northwest a little?  Those Mid-Atlantic folks won't know how to handle you...

Too Much "Me"

I've been thinking lately that I spend entirely too much time thinking about myself, worrying about me, praying about my problems, and often forgetting how blessed I really am.  There are so many people in the world who are suffering terribly, and are desperate for our help and our prayers.

Yesterday, when the news broke about the earthquake in Haiti, I was moved to tears thinking about  the thousands of people that are likely dead, and so many more that are in pain and are suffering, waiting for rescue.   I feel guilty sitting here so comfortably, while so many others are waiting and wondering if  help will ever come.

As with other tragedies, there will probably be a telethon to raise money for the victims and it willl be on the news for a while, but then we'll move on, just like we always do and start thinking about ourselves (myself) again.  We humans are selfish by nature and I am no exception.

Hopefully this time will be different.  Hopefully I'll stop thinking about "me" so much and I will remember to pray for those around the world that are suffering so terribly, in ways I cannot even imagine. 

If anyone is interested in donating to this cause, Samaritan's Purse is a great organization that we've supported for years now.  They already have a DC-3 full of relief supplies and a disaster assistance team in the air and will arrive in Haiti this afternoon. They also do amazing work all around the world. 

Samaritan's Purse-Haiti