It has been one of the best kick offs to Spring that we’ve had in a long time here in our little alcove of southern California. The climate has been so pleasant and lately the days have been filled with a few aftershocks here and there. Little earthquakes. A good reminder of Who is in control.
My boys foray themselves in the expanse of the grass, like little dots in the spread.
I have been balancing myself with some variety this season. It’s not as luxurious as it sounds, but I have been intentional about the main things in life that level me out during the home-school slump: a book to read, a few play-dates with the children, a couple of hours of conversation with one of my dearest friends over Thai tea or hot cocoa.
It is meaningful to find that my life doesn’t just consist of staying home, as there are other things that add value, that bestow significance to my week. I am content and grateful for what God provides in my life. I come home joyful and fulfilled after a ride on my bike, or after a run in the park. I am full. My cup overfloweth. I smell the flowers.
The days are best when I take a moment to purposefully enjoy the many things God shows me in a day’s time. A call from a friend, a passage of scripture, a blog post, or a sweet time with some families during a hike in the canyons of Monrovia.
Here are some flowers my preschooler photographed all by himself.
I’ve been deliberate about giving my children some sound direction. This is partly due to the discouraging wall we’ve hit as a family as of late. But we are sure of God’s word and He is the great equalizer. We can only remember that “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” Proverbs 13:15. We want to guide our children in the ways of purity and wisdom. My sweet little Bluebird is learning to say “No” with such indignation and her sweet spirit begins to flutter when she is corrected. But she is still the little diamond in the rough, as my husband calls her, and she is precious in the sight of our Abba Father. What a blessing to be stewards of three lovely children who will one day punch a hole in the dark! This is our unceasing prayer.
My little bluebird sits quietly on a park bench, enjoying Papi’s company after a long day at work.
All this to say that I celebrate my time in those areas of value rather than plow my energy into fields that don’t bear fruit of eternal measure. As I consider our troubles, I realize they are beyond our control. They take up inordinate space in my mind. But God has given me the strength to press on in my daily life. This means more blogging, more photography, more playing, more stories, and more relational contact. I’ve even decided to take up sewing. I’ve been inspired by Shannon at Thoughts and Thimbles and by my mother-in-law who made such beautiful dresses for my bluebird recently. I was gifted a sewing machine in the mail for my birthday a few weeks ago and I am eager to create some clothing for my children. I am not sure how these attempts will turn out since I know it is quite a feat for me to take on a new pursuit. I don’t usually write about what is brewing in my tea-kettle, since I don’t want to burn anyone, and especially since I need to let it all percolate, and simmer… simmer to taste and enjoy when it is ready.
My mother in law “layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.” Proverbs 31:19
We’ve been visiting my aunt, a widow for several years. We spend time together, usually over lunch at her place, if not at ours, and the children are always excited to get out of the house. If the boys are with my husband, I take my little Bluebird with me to visit her, and other relatives as well. My husband calls this band of ladies the Joy Luck Club. We have a fun time, my daughter and I, with my mother, and my two aunties. It is a blessing to see them delighted and I really walk away from this joyful every time.
I know the God who keeps us, preserves us, and saves us. My God keeps His covenant with His people. This is the God Who I serve and knowing this truth with certainty affirms that there is nothing in this world that is as secure. Nothing else can keep me. No one else.
Joyful and content,
