Refocus

I'm aware that it has been awhile since I've posted.

And I have lots to post about (the remaining birthday stories, Easter, Benjamin's first soccer game, our fabulous parents-only getaway just last week!).

However, life has gotten in the way.

In the midst of all of these wonderful celebrations and the glorious emergence of Spring (oh, how I LOVE warm weather!), I've been really busy.

REALLY BUSY.

I've been working on a big project for Chick-fil-A and I also agreed to help our pastor's wife edit and design a set of Bible study materials - a job that was WAY bigger than I expected.

Plus, there's two little people and one big person that live with me that seem to need food and clean clothes and a whole assortment of other stuff done on a daily basis.

And my husband will tell you that I'm not one to handle stress well. Never have been. And it seems that the more stressed and anxious that I am, the less I am able to be joyful. I get less sleep. I'm crabby and short-tempered. Little things - things that are normally an easy part of my day - become huge, overwhelming tasks that never seem to get done.

The dishes are piled in the sink. Dust is everywhere. The clean clothes are folded, but have been sitting on the couch for two days.

But the kids? They are sleeping soundly in their beds after an evening of playing in the park and running (yes, Emma is RUNNING!) their little hearts out across the huge field that leads to the playground.

Instead of taking them to the park I could have put the clothes away. But you know what? I'm learning a bit about perfectionism. My kids don't need our house to be perfect. They just need it to be a safe, happy place. They don't need Mommy to be perfect, they just need Mommy to give them love and attention. God doesn't ask me to be perfect, He just asks me to praise.

So I'll praise Him today.

I'll praise Him for how precious my little girl looks in her summer dresses.

For a husband who works long, long hours being a student and teaching them - all to provide for his family.

For a little boy who hurt his knee on Saturday at his soccer game, but is no longer limping.

For my sister who invited the kids and I to come visit her this summer in New Orleans so that Daddy can have the house to himself to study for a few days with peace and quiet :)

I'll thank Him for the clothes I have to wash.

I'll thank Him for the food that we ate that has to be cleaned off the dishes.

And for my son's boundless energy and the challenge to channel that into all the right places.

For my daughter's determination and the fact that she is GREAT sleeper :)

What are you praising Him for today? Please share - I'd love to be encouraged!



(This post is linked to Finer Things Friday.)