Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Coming up for air...


You know that feeling, right? When you can hardly catch your breath and then all of a sudden there is a respite and you feel like you are finally coming up for air?

Last week - God really gave me this gift in our home. Our children played outside for hours and it was such a refreshing time for me to do my chores and actually get caught up on a few things.


And, I noticed something. When I start to come up for air and get a few things caught up, I am reminded of details that I overlook when I am in survival mode. When was the last time I lit candles for dinner on a regular night? When was the last time I sat out on the screened in porch and just rocked for no real reason other than enjoying the beauty of the evening? When was the last time I made cookies with the girls?

Then, I noticed something else - it was more than coming up for air at that point. I was gulping it in and feeling refreshed and renewed. So much more relaxed that I have been for a while - yet still accomplishing more than I have for a while. The details that I now had energy and vision for continued to feed me and refresh my spirit.


We moms never really know how many days our children will play well or how long this good routine will last. So, I just rejoice in each moment that I have - each day that I am breathing easier than the last is a rare and beautiful gift.

Let's face it - this mothering gig is really hard. I mean really hard. It calls on more of us than we ever knew we could give. It makes days where there is more playing and less bickering so much the more precious.

Thank You, Lord for the gift of these days that my children are playing well outside and enjoying your creation! Thank You for the order it has brought to our home and my heart. My cup is running over.....

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my, what beautiful photos! one of my sons convicted me the other day. I was setting the dining room table with the good china. He said, "Are we having company?" I realize I need to do more to make every day special...not just for company. Thanks for all the ideas to set a simple table, just from what we have at home! ~ Ruth

Grace said...

=) So glad you had some breathing room. Last week was that for me. I actually got ALL the laundry done. =-O now just to keep up with it so it doesn't get out of hand. Can't wait for this weekend!!

angie said...

I keep "hoping" for a week with breathing room, but have finally realized that I need to create such a time. Thank you for the reminder that by taking the time for deep breaths, I will actually reap the benefits of added energy and vision. May your season of kids playing well together outside continue!
The word verification for me to publish this comment is "mudigins." Somehow this term reminds me of 3 littles who have played outside all day!

Wendi said...

I am so happy for you! I cherish those moments. :)

Dawn said...

YES!!! In the midst of the wedding insanity this week, this morning I am sitting and relaxing...before we head into town later today! But still, a couple hrs to just relax are precious to me right now.

Anonymous said...

I thank God with you for this fresh and renewing breath of air! He is so very good to us. tammyp

*carrie* said...

Hooray! So glad you're feeling more refreshed. Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm certainly not feeling this way right now, but when I have these times, I am so grateful!

Heather said...

I'm glad you're enjoying space & refreshment! :)

Shannon said...

Monica - Thank you for this beautiful post. Tears came to my eyes as I read it and it dawned on me how much I have been needing just that kind of respite. You're so right, mothers just don't know how long we're going to be underwater or how long we'll have to gulp down lots of good clean air!

Melissa said...

Amen to that! Love your table decor...can I stop in for a cup of tea and scone????

~katie~ said...

This post was refreshing ~ thank you!

That polka dot table just makes me smile. =)

Catherine said...

Amen.

I love those geraniums...

Mom said...

May these times of fresh air come more and more often! Love, Mom

Tara said...

Hi,just found your blog and am now happily following along..I love it when things just work out..May I say that your table is polka dot fabulous!..XX

Jenn said...

I've been admiring your polka dot table cloth. Just wondering...is that a vinyl/felt-backed tablecloth and how did you secure it under the table? With young kids in the household, dangling tablecloth ends are out of the question, but if I stapled or sewed in some elastic...hmmm....