the hard work of Now

We sometimes try to prepare ourselves for what we think might happen.

We say we're just bracing ourselves for what might be when really we could be just wasting our time. It could be that our suspicions are really just our fears in disguise, pretending to be someone they aren't.

What we think might be or could be, really might not ever or someday be.



We want to avoid hurt when the hard truth is that there will be pain in this life. Something will happen someday that we didn't expect and our current reality will be forever changed. We will feel like our joy was derailed.

There is no way to know for certain what will come around the corner next in our life, and there is no way to prepare for it.

Some have tried all sorts of magical fortune-telling escapades to prepare themselves and though I suppose it's possible, I suspect that knowing the future would dissolve any joy for now. Attention would be so focused on what will be, that what joy there is now would be hard to even notice.

I imagine all sorts of scenarios for my life. As a dreamer, it's hard to turn off the mind and just focus on now. "Be prepared" has been my unspoken motto. I get all antsy when I stay in the now, worried that I'm not considering what might be.

Crafting an imagined scene of my future takes me away from what is. I start to confuse what is really reality and start believing things that aren't certain, and that are therefore lies. It gets frustrating to sort out truth from possibility and inevitably I find myself all mixed up, anxious and angry.

Staying focused on the Now is grueling work. 
It takes strength not to focus on what might be. 

In my own life, as it is, I'm struggling to receive the precious miracle of life that is a baby growing inside of me. I imagine this life ending and it pains me to talk or even think with any expectation that we will one day hold this child alive.

I know that nothing is for certain and I know that life is fragile. It could be that I am being prepared for the inevitable by holding onto this gift loosely. And it could also be that I am trying to protect myself from potential pain that won't ever even be, causing me to miss out on fully receiving the gift that is Now.

It's a push/pull between our minds and our hearts to do the hard work of focusing on Now. Yet, I am committed to not missing out on what is. I don't want to waste today's gift of life, no matter what might or might not be tomorrow.

Let us commit to the hard fight of Now.
Let us live with our hearts splayed open wide, no matter what may be.

Let us refuse to imagine or expect anything beyond what is Now.
Let us accept life, as it is.

the fight for joy | {Day 20}: Keeping it Real

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counting

His bedroom door opens and I cringe.

Anger almost wants to begin boiling like water for coffee. 

We've stayed up much too late again and he isn't the child to sleep in, no matter the hour of bedtime.
Life is too exciting for this child.

I get this, how sometimes the thrill of a new day is sometimes too exciting for sleep. 

...even if it's a stay-home kind of day with no plans cast on the calendar. 

A few days ago I told The Boy that grass sure doesn't grow under his feet.

I get up at 4:30 each day to write and work out. To begin my worship in the *whirl and twirl*.

It was nearly a brand new day when I closed my eyes for rest last night and yet my body woke up with the same amount of sleep I usually have. Early still came, though at a bit later hour. 

Morning's are easy for The Boy, just like his Momma. 

He returns to his bedroom after a visit to the bathroom and comes downstairs at precisely 7:00. He follows the rule not to be up until then. 

Entering the living room where I sit eyeing him as he nears, he knows I'll be disappointed that he didn't sleep late. And I can't help it. Because Momma's know sleep is important. Rest is best.

I nearly fall out of my chair with humility as I hear the words he says.
     "I am glad I didn't get up earlier, even though I know it was early still." 

He counts grace. 

Sitting close on my lap I count, too. 

I tell him that being tired today reminds us of why we stayed up last night--how visiting family and being together matters most. 

Counting {Grace} changes Every. Thing.

It isn't long at all before he's not listening. Thinking of something else. Noticing something off to the side.

The Boy's attention is scattered these days. Life is a bowl of ice cream to be devoured. And his bowl is never empty. 

Library books excite him. And he's thinking of being a history teacher and a scientist, while also a professional lacrosse player and a professional hockey player. He thinks a hundred thoughts a minute.

Children are so innocent, yet incredibly wise. 

I think of his zest and how he adds flavor to my life. Sweet and noticeable. 

He's up early and I tell him I'm glad. 

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{Grace} Unwrapped...

...the intimacy of morning talk...

...how we share that same joy of early...

...the ways his voice carries throughout my day...

...his thought sharing...

...how saying good morning or hello isn't as important as story sharing...

...and how I see his story telling is a *hello*, an invitation to his world...

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a greater joy

On my morning run I couldn't help but think about the different of today.

Sure, each date is unique. But, this one is even more so.

Leap Day is special. It's an extra day in the year.

I am struck by this simplicity and wonder of its gifts yet to be unwrapped.

And, I think of perspective and how it's changed my life in a truly magnificent way.

A Joy-full way.

It's the bending down low and reaching for gratitude, even during the hard and painful times.

It's the choosing gratefulness even though it's hard to See.

My life has truly been changed by this deliberate choice for Joy.

Some products really make a difference in a life. They can serve as reminders and shift our perspectives to focus.

And so, I reach for my mug that reminds me of Him, and grab my journal to jot down my Joy.

Hours later, reminders of truth follow me into my office and stay with me all day:

If I open my heart to receive His Peace, my Joy will be complete. 

Sprinkling products throughout my living that remind me of Him, this is my everyday worship in the *whirl and twirl* of life.

DaySpring gave me their Everyday Joy Assortment Set to review. My opinions are my own. 


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delight

It didn't always used to be.

The early years were hard.

Like those late miles in a really long run when I sometimes just want to stop, crawl over to the side and sleep.

Exhausted from the effort, I'd just want to walk away.

I often never felt good enough.

Years multiplied and a peace began to canvas our marriage.

The urge to stop and just sleep dissipated.

I became more alive.

Our marriage together became a delight.

Somewhere between the exhausted fight to be heard and understood that was often squelched by expectations, an understanding enveloped us both--an acceptance for each other's differences.

That we have found Joy in the hard thanks of the *whirl and twirl* of sharing life together is Amazing. Grace.

Today's post is part of my friend, Lisa-Jo's fun challenge each Friday to 

     "Write for five, short, bold beautiful minutes... 

     Unscripted and unedited...

     Without worrying if it's just right or not."

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vivid

They're colorful and loud--these dreams of mine.

Calling out to me, I hear their whispers in my living.

Day and night they speak to me.

Vividly I See *different*, yet I question the specifics.

Dreams are a funny thing.

They can jolt you out of a sound sleep with affirmation of purpose.

And they can send us reeling with confusion over the unknown.

Dreams just don't seem to make sense sometimes.

Yet, we know with every ounce of who we are that they were planted deep inside our soul.

Vivid colors splash across my life.

Brush strokes of Joy and Peace from heartache and pain
     --always from pain.

Colors so pronounced that the boldest, most vivid moments cannot be ignored. They point to a vulnerability that is just so necessary.

Over time, we learn to receive those dreams with courage.

Today's post is part of my friend, Lisa-Jo's fun challenge each Friday to 

     "Write for five, short, bold beautiful minutes... 

     Unscripted and unedited...

     Without worrying if it's just right or not."

_______________________________________________

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living gratefully :: unexpected

It warms me from the inside and soothes my aching soul.

Without warning a smile brushes across my face.

An artist's work.

Soft, gentle words flow from the river of my mouth.

A fisherman was here.

My heart rains with tears of gladness over what is happening here.

A farmer cultivates.

Unexpected {Grace} washes the heaviness of the storm. 

What was mucked up and made muddy is now becoming clean.

What was charred from the fire of anger, bitterness and rage is now
     calm, peaceful and glad.

He touches in ways completely unexpected. 

Noticing, I am grateful. And this is my worship.

Today's post is part of my friend, Lisa-Jo's fun challenge each Friday to 

     "Write for five, short, bold beautiful minutes... 

     Unscripted and unedited...

     Without worrying if it's just right or not."

_______________________________________________

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Five Minute Friday :: catch

You think you don't smile and I know otherwise.

The way your heart radiates joy, it's sometimes hard to see when you live with such intensity--always concerned for our well being. 

But when you surrender into the moment and trust in our happiness, I catch you drift into a place where you are free from the burden of keeping us safe and teaching us.

I catch you smile when I dance all wildish, *whirling and twirling* in my own living for a moment when I don't care what others think.

I catch your eyes closed and joy painted on your face when our son wraps his arms around you, sharing love that has grown in his heart. You feel accepted and treasured, for who you are and not what you've done.

I can See it.

Life is hard sometimes and it's often just too serious. But when I catch you letting loose and falling into a moment with abandoned fears, a piece of me feels the invitation to live free-er, too.

Will you catch me, and might I inspire you?

(Written for my groom; my blessing to partner with in this life.)
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On this day of most every week I write for just five minutes.

These days can be a challenge for me because as my groom says, I'm more of a novelist and not a short story teller; a (middle-)distance runner, not a sprinter. 

It's a challenge to See *purpose* in the brief, and like running I often think if it's not long it's not worth it. So, these five-minute sessions are important training for me, too. They're like the days when I do tempo runs instead of six-milers. Necessary.

I invite you to join me in today's brief, but necessary workout. Grab a napkin or your own spot in the corner of the web world. Visit other hearts, and share a little encouragement while you're at it. We all need a coach.

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seven years in

Who I thought I was, and who I thought I should be, have been completely transformed.

It took the first two years of his life for me to settle into what being a Momma means. Finally, I surrendered my Superwoman expectations that only I put on myself.

Now, seven years in, my eyes are open and my vision clear(er) to how male's were created to be. I understand my groom more by the lessons our child provides me.

This Boy-Man forgives quickly and dwells not.
He moves always and slows only at bed time.
He's helpful and appreciates structure.
A rule follower, he's learning to test his boundaries; driving me crazy and testing me, always.

Like me, he runs his mouth, complains, and longs for attention.
And like me, he sings with joy and dances in freedom.
Music is a reflection of his our heart.

Seven years in, I am Seeing that I don't know what's best, and I carry with me many fears. I teeter in my confidence and can do nothing but seek my Father for His leading.

I trust that I was chosen for *this role* and breathe--moment by blessed moment. 

Fears he'll live my pain are my constant companion.
And I surrender, believing his story is different because he is different.
We are uniquely created individuals; not the same.

Sensitive, shy and learning to speak his mind, this boy will one day grow into a man and I wonder what he'll be like. Already, this child has solid character and integrity. He'll evolve as the seasons pass, becoming more of what God intends of him.

Fears we'll only have him for a short while, keep me grounded on Today and grateful for the purposes he lives Now.

Seven years in, I am astounded at how I've grown and selfishly I see it being all about me. 

God has provided and He has this boy's back.

I slip up every day and lack, immensely, the ability to make him do as I say. And I remember it doesn't matter, and that's not what it's about.
When I scream or shout and crush his heart, my Our Father keeps him strong and fills the gap between my selfish pride, control, fear and Love.

He's my joy, this boy.

The way he loves without conditions brings me to my knees in gratefulness. I pray, Lord keep him close to choosing forgiveness and give him freedom to love fully. Give me your courage and Grace. Might I honor you in all I learn and in the ways I grow in this. 
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Happy Birthday, peanut-butter!

You turn Seven tomorrow--already! And while it seems *just like yesterday* that you were born, I can hardly picture our life before you joined in.

You are sweet and such a delight. You are special in every way!

I love you and will always be here for you.

Love, Momma
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four legs of Different

Our family is experiencing Different.

My heart has been tenderly transplanted with One who Loves without conditions...even stinky, hairy, drool covered creatures.

An *addition* is about to happen in our house. And it isn't one with four walls, or even two legs. It's a four-legged one.

We've done this before.

Twice we've had a dog. With each of them we surrendered our right as their owners not long into choosing them. We explain the reasons and though they make sense, still the truth remains--we've done this before.

So why would we do it again?

My heart has been opened to Different. 

God loves animals. After all, they were here before us.
There is purpose for them.

I'm ready to {really} See. 

Love is a choice. A verb--an action. And love is what I will choose to do with this four-legged beauty.

Through this *willingness* to embrace Different, I have Hope to See Him and to Know Love, deeper.

Grant us growth, Father. 

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when the seasons blend

Leaves are beginning to fall with the slightest wind and they harden quicker at the curl. Shadows cast are longer. Days shorter. Morning's darker.

But Summer still remains, at least for a little while longer. There are still drippings of flip-flop-wearing-days left on the calendar, though Autumn's First Day is official in just a few more sleeps.

It's an in-between time when Summer and Autumn blend.

Like color, this blending makes something different. The process of converging together is a moment often too quick to notice. 

Sweatshirts are appearing and shorts-wearing lingers.

It's a play outside after school and throw the football kind of season--temperatures more comfortable for play, while sweat still glistens to make cheeks rosey and skin warm.

Apples are out and sunflowers remain.

Mums (and even pumpkins!) are resting on porches, while summer's beauties are still deep rooted.

There's something really special about the blending of two seasons--when we can't quite let go of the one and yet we're sorta reaching for the next, readying ourselves.

Right *Now* is a time before the true hunkering down and cozying-up for the brisk coldness of winter.

I think of my life and wonder what is to come. As the trees are soon stripped bare and I stand naked like them, I consider this time, and I breathe deep. Preparing.

In my own heart there's this incredible Joyful Anticipation for the unknown--a trusting for what is to come. A readiness for change. And yet, I feel this comfort in the Now-season of life. A peace for what is.

There's beauty in this blending of Anticipation and Contentment.

I'm discovering that it is here, in this thin place--where He knows the purposes of *Now* and *Next*--that holds such mystery of faith; evidence in things unseen, and of His power and purpose.

This is the teeter-totter of a little child just readying herself to walk.

This is the breath just before he is born.

This is the moment of anticipation.

This is important and necessary preparation. 

There is Joy here. And fear, too. Uncertainty takes off her bonnet and sits quietly, waiting for the door to open and a harvest of new blessings to unfurl.

All of these emotions are welcome and invited to take part in the *Now.*

I breathe in and give thanks for Seeing the color of the seasons in my life blend Beauty. 

I've tasted and I've Seen His rich bounty of blessings. And now I wait in patient, {Hopeful} anticipation for what is to come.



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choosing the *Low* view

May your precious weekend moments invite you to lean *Low.*

See that life swirls with Joy and carefree pleasures in these places.

This *Low* view--

{that like a child's life,}

births Freedom to live in full, all out Play. 

Praying you rest into the low, sweet, playful moments of these days...

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Five Minute Friday :: Joy

My participation in Lisa-Jo's Five Minute Friday's was out of curiosity. I wasn't sure what Just. Writing. could do for me. And so I took the step. 

For me, you might want to know that writing isn't difficult. It doesn't take me a long time. And truthfully, I don't really care what that might say about the quality of my writing. 

At this point in my life I write my heart. I write simply because I have to--kind of like breathing and exercising. It's all good for me. Writing is my must do. It's for me, not for you. 

Writing for just five minutes is challenging. I'd rather write longer--and hence this very long prelude to my real post. But, writing for at least five minutes makes me do it on the days when I struggle to sit; when I get the feeling it doesn't matter and sometimes I think other parts of life are just more important. The dark quiet of the dawn is my time--the corner of the day when my heart awakens with each word I let loose and the real Me is invited to participate in life.

Just five minutes is freedom to me--to Just. Write., knowing that there is real encouragement on the other side, and sometimes I need that. 

And here begins this week's *true* just-five minutes...

Joy

When I live and notice that it hasn't been for you, there's such a *gladness* that fills my heart.

It's a struggle to not worry about pleasing you or making everything be the way you want it. And so when I Just. Live. My. Way., there's this *peace* that fills the air.

Knowing that I am beautiful and when I mistakes, that they are just that--a certainty about Purpose gives me *confidence.*

There's nothing quite like it--this Joy.

It comes softly, calling the heart toward it after a gut wrenching loss of life, or an enormous fight that left me teetering on the edge of giving up.

She woos me toward her and wipes the grit out of my eyes to See--there's beauty in All, and purpose, too. 

The Truth of this purpose is what leaves me *content*--full of Joy--as I breathe in this gladness, and peace, and confidence.

I can trust in this with all my life. It's surely Heaven sent.
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Rest

It's a day past Friday and yet there is still purpose in the writing *free*--with minimal editing and backtracking, and without the slightest preconceived thoughts.

Lisa-Jo invites this freedom-writing each Friday, and it's always my joy when I link up with other hearts. Today, though, I'm recovering from a trip away, with my family this time.

Today's prompt is so appropriate for me.

Rest

It's only been ours for a little over a year, and yet we have sprawled ourselves out in it and it's become *Home.* Every bit of square footage is comfort and joy. And after being away for work or even a first {real} family vacation, it's where we Rest.

There is a calling in my heart toward *Different* and when I See the joy in surrendering to my plans and embracing the unknown, I feel it again. Rest.

When we lay down our bags of expectations, our plans and fears, we pick it up. Rest. 

Whether at *Home* or in the *Different* of life, there is Rest waiting for us--calling us and inviting us.

Like the warmth and deep crevice of love reserved for me in my Boy-Man's heart, Rest snuggles up close to me and melts every bit of angst there ever was.

The *Now* becomes Rest. I breathe deeply and feel this Rest in every way--a calming, a dissolving, a rising of the Grace I've unwrapped and the Joy I've ignited.

{Ahhhh....}

Rest becomes *Home.*
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Five Minute Friday: Whole

It's that day again--Friday, the end of the week when I can breathe deeply and exhale the Freedom my days are teaching me to live. And so, I am here again soaking up the courage to just write my heart out without worry, perfection-seeking or fear.

Join me? Scribble in your own place of comfort--a book, a card, a pad. Find your place to freely write your heart. Give yourself just five minutes and you'll make a difference in your day.

Today's prompt, thanks to Lisa-Jo:

Whole

GO

When I breathe deeply and soak up the moments--one at a time as they arrive--I am: In. Joy.

Nothing else matters. The sounds around me and the feelings my body experiences are magnified when I pay attention.

Writing calls out my heart and I discover bits of myself I never knew.

Choosing to let someone else live her own story gives me understanding and helps me to accept her...and him.

I am wholly me when I live my own story and I find whole healing when I breathe in Truth that All. Is. For. Purpose.

When I don't compare my own living with hers or hers, or hers, I am better able to accept my unique style and I See--I am beautiful, too.

He made me Whole, having given me everything I need. All I need to do is seek and I will truly find that which I need, moment by blessed moment.

There's peace there in that kind of living, in the knowing that I am exactly where I need to be and I am exactly who I need to be for Now.

STOP.

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Five Minute Friday: *Full*

Friday is *Freedom Day* for me.

Thanks to Lisa-Jo, I'm reminded to just write. Not for others. Not for comments. Just because the written word means so means something to me and I have to get it out.

It's not a perfection-seeking day or a day to mull over self's choice of words strung together; it's a free-to-write-just-as-I-am-kinda-day.

Today's prompt...

Full

START

I wonder how it could possibly have any more poured in, and then Grace steps into another day and more is added.

The Boy-Man reaches for my hand as we walk through a store to bide our time until it's time to sleep--trying to keep cool from the weight of the heat.

He reaches high and rubs my back, stretching to touch my shoulders.

I can feel his gladness for growing like he has, and his joy in having my arm wrapped around him as we walk. He links our arms together and pats my behind. Two things he watches the Man-Boy do, he tries out for himself.

I smile at how he watches so. Always. Watching.

My heart swells--feeling full. Satisfied. 

He's just a child. And yet, he's got this full heart of gentle spirit. He pours into my heart and I feel like it'll bubble over. My gratitude never ceasing, this child wrecks havoc on my selfish ambition.

More joy pours in and fullness rises up.

We are never *Full* and yet, the Grace is to feel it. 

Grace helps us to never feel lacking and to rest in contentment at the Joy.

Mmmm...I rest here in this truth and smile at the living God inside this child of mine. It's His image that pours out full and round, and it's His spirit inside of me that Sees and feels.

All. Is. Grace.

STOP.

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make your life a reflection of your heart

Take a deep breathe and look around you.

Right now matters.

There's purpose in this moment.  In all that is around you.

So, slow down.  Breathe deep.  And just be *here*, right now.

Take a moment to write all of *this* down.  These moments that bring you joy.

Count your thankfulness.

And know this, *you are important*.

Not just for feeding mouths, wiping tushes, planning meals, cleaning and sanitizing your home, making money, paying bills, and making sure your groom is well taken care of.

You were made for more than *this*.

Your smile is a blessing to someone.

Your honesty gives someone else courage.

The way you rub their back and whisper sweetness, it's like honey to the soul.
Sticky and sweet.

Let the air you breathe-in calm you and give you peace today.

Let your life be a reflection of your heart.  

Live more for *you* today, and remember how you're setting an example of freedom and truth when you do that.

What one thing you can do instead of *that* one thing that feels like a must-do, and yet really it isn't?  I invite you to *name it* here.  Leave a comment below, replace the should-do with want-to-do.  Call it out...the freedom.  Give someone else courage today.

a really *crazy* idea

I think it's *funny*.  It'll surely not happen.  Yet, it's something I've always said I wanted to do, and something that won't leave my mind.

It's still funny, though.  Quite a {silly} idea.  I haven't lived all the way to the end of my story yet, and since I decided that I don't need to run a marathon in my life, (even though it is also something I've always said I wanted to do) I think it's crazier still, to be even an inkling of an idea.

Such a {crazy-silly} idea.  

A few have suggested that I *write a book*.  One friend has said I was "born for this."  A family member said I "should think about publishing."  I'm not sure what to think about all of it.  It's {foolish} craziness.  I think, those comments are not meant for me.

It's not as though the two people who said those affirming comments to me don't mean anything to me - they surely do!  Yet, why do I doubt their comment and chuckle them away like some misplaced idea?! Not for me.

No way...


Surely, those comments weren't meant for me.  And yet, two more comments have also somehow stuck inside my noggin, as *crazy* as they sound to me.  Strangers have said that I am "a writer," and that I "write from the heart, and [that I] give gifts of hope and grace and love."  The chick who wrote me that must been mistaken, or perhaps she is just digging deep to be encouraging.  Falsely encouraging.

(For the record, if anything, it's not me who gives those gifts - it's God through me.  And still, I doubt my worth.)

I have no clue how the rest of my story will read.  Yet, for some unexplainable reason I have this incredible excitement bubbling up, almost like a dolphin rising to the surface, giddy about the sunshine she'll see when she gets there, and she bounds up with sheer ecstacy at the joy.  So. Joy. Full.

Another really {crazy} idea of hopefulness has risen up within me recently, and this I can barely even muster the thoughts to share with even my Lord.  It's a child-like joy that for now remains just a sprinkle of hope.  A *glimmer of possibility*.

I picture the middle of an Ocean and its vastness stretching far and wide.  Right there smack dab in the middle there is wonder at how it all connects.  And then I think of *people* and how the world seems so small sometimes, all of us so strangely connected.  So when the Ocean seems so *big* and yet the world seems so *small*, {hope} for the wildest possibilities seems to bubble up with question marks instead of confident exclamation marks.

Holding tight to dreams can keep *hope* alive.

Being aware of how real possibilities can be, and how they just might have a place in your story, keeps *joy* alive.

The awareness that a possibility does not mean a *sure thing*, leads to a risky choice.  Choose hope?

I surely believe that the risk {to choose hope} isn't ever wasted, and the joy is to be lived loudly - exclaimed, even!

So, we'll see where two recent and *colorful* sprinkles of hope will go in my own story.  For now, I am giddy with possibility, and for that I'm incredibly grateful, especially after so many days of doubting that the hope is even worth it.

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What possibilities make you giddy with excitement, even in all their crazy-silliness?  


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Gifts of Gratitude...

#21.  Strength to shovel the driveway when my Groom is too sick to do it himself, and the memory to do it the way he likes.

#22.  How good it feels to say yes to "Huggy Time!" when I know the boy is just delaying shower time, and knowing that he won't always look to me for a comfortable excuse to cuddle!

#23.  The boy's first fish made it two whole days of living in our house - still alive!

#24.  How stretching and breathing deep bring such healing to a worn out and sore body.

#25.  The aroma of brownies baking in the oven.  Heavenly!

#26.  Awareness as my mother is complaining about her own life that her own anxiousness does not need to be placed on me.  I can care, but her worries are her own.  And so I lift her to Jesus, the true Healer.

#27.  A delivery of a dozen roses from the widower next door, as a thank you "for [our] kindness" toward him.

#28.  Seeing the boy and his daddy do their secret handshake, followed by sweet hug, at the door before school.  The sickness of my Groom doesn't keep him down today to see the boy off for his day.

#29.  Hope for {crazy} possibilities.

#30.  Having our family of three together during evening's again after the coach's season concluded.

Cookies and Milk, Mario Cart {and hugs}

Oh, the simple pleasures of the day!

Each month I try to take a day off from work.  A purposeful carving out of a day just for my groom and me.  A date day.

The boy is at school and we get a lot more for our mileage, so to speak, by having most of the whole day to ourselves to do as we want.  Not paying for a babysitter certainly helps!  By having our dates in the daytime hours, this allows us to keep to our family time during weekends and evenings, and this speaks to our son that he is important and so are we all, as a family unit.

Our dates are a different color than a lot of people's.  Many people take a date a week and we do that, too, and it's in the form of reconnecting over lunch together once or twice a week (sometimes more!).  We are able to do this because of deliberate choices we made for one of us to be the home manager, thus allowing for flexibility in our schedules.

Some people go away once a month or once a year.  That just isn't for us at this point in our lives.  We try to connect on a regular basis, and for us we just can't fathom using up our only time off away from our family.  I travel overnight enough for work and it's heartbreaking each time I say see-ya to my honeys.  Say what you will about the importance of a couple sneaking away regularly; it's just not for us right now, and we're okay with that.

Often when my groom and I have a date day together, we spend money on the boy.  It's a time to get what he needs or what we'd like to get him, without his constant interrupting or having to hurry.  It's nice to reconnect and it's lovely to share in the joys of thinking of our son together.  

Last week, our date day finished up with a quick trip to the grocery store on our way home (from yes, shopping for the boy!).  We got the break apart bake-your-own cookies.  Then we filled up our house with the aroma of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, and sat down with two glasses of milk and a plate full of the special treat, followed by playing a few games of Mario Cart (a Wii game) together.

It's the simple pleasures that bring my heart the greatest joy.  It's the deliberate choosing to carve out time together and even when we don't have actual plans, the day stands out and says we're important.

And when our day is done and the little one comes barreling through the door, it's the boy's unending hugs that turn my attention right back to my groom.  The gentleness of this little boy is learned through the gentleness of his daddy who loves without reservations.  The purity and simplicity of their love, together with their appreciation for what we share together, shows me that it really is important to make time for each other.


I encourage you to unwrap the simple joys in your life.


Carve out time to just be together with those who are important to you on an everyday basis.  

Even if you don't have specific plans, keep the day and create simple memories.  Be a kid again and make cookies together, and maybe even play a few video games!  It just might be what you need more than anything!