be joyful always, pray continuously & give thanks in ALL circumstances for this is God's will for you through Christ Jesus ~ 1 Thess. 5:16-18
thanksgiving looked a little like this ...
the funny thing is simply how our family 'rolls with it'.
life is a little different around here as we try to adjust {understatement of the year}
Yes - it is overwhelming at times
Yes - we know it will get better
Yes - we are tired
Yes - the older sisters are dong fine
Yes - the younger ones are growing, eating, sleeping, etc.
we are living our life, our life of craziness, but this is the life, the journey He has laid before us and we embrace it, challenges, sleepless nights, frumpy clothes and all. We don't mind working hard for all the blessings He has provided us. Strangers have said some of the most natural of comments to me when they see us and our truckload anywhere, and for soem reason {maybe its the adjusting hormones} I have had the strangest reactions.
They say {wow - you are brave }
I think {brave? being a mom to the children God has given me is not being brave. blessed. i am blessed}
They say { you have your hands full }
I think { yes, i do. and isn't it wonderful }
They say {are you done now?}
I think {no. i am not done allowing God to lead my heart & our marriage, down whichever path He wants. That is how we got here and who knows where He will take us next}
They say {how do you do it?}
I think {there is a really long, detailed answer or in short : because you have to, because God entrusted me with this amazing role. i am a mother. you just do it. you don't analyze or strategize, you survive so your children can thrive. you just do it. {not to go all Nike on you} but that's it. my day to day is focused on my children, what they need; my husband, what he needs; and our family chores, tuitions, schedules, etc. I am knee deep in pulling all that together, and with the grace of God we make it work. I don't do drama. It requires too much of my energy to entertain the dramatic things in life. My life, my family, our children have no room for drama. My goodness, I imagine with 3 girls there will be enough of it within our own walls.}
There is a lot going on at our 'house.' David and I are operating at our highest, fullest, most exhausting levels and we are doing this together, because it is our family. I am grateful for my parents, especially my mom, who have done far more far us, for me, for the kids, then i could have ever asked or expected or thought necessary. My mom is not only my mom, but my friend. Which means she knows me, my heart, my intentions more than anyone {except my husband}, tolerates me emotionally, and takes the time to listen and really hear what I am saying or feeling. I am so thankful for her love, patience, and understanding and for teaching me the art of communication.The last 2 months have not gone as we would have 'planned' ; rather they have gone in every way He intended, which left very little room for us to do anything but the absolutely necessary things to get by and adjust. It has been a blessing to not have to 'explain' this crazy time frame, and still feel loved and supported.
I am thankful for my husband who has been there to pack up our Paris life and fly home with 24 hours notice ; experience the daily routine that is our children and see how truthful I was being when I said it was busy and crazy ; experience the twins, arriving early, staying in the NICU and all the emotions I went through as I pumped and nursed and processed what was going to be necessary when they came home : and lately, for being there, with our kids, asking me to dance while I am making dinner, spinning me around and holding me tight - for recognizing where I am emotionally and reaching out. I am blessed and grateful for your love.
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in worrying about what everyone else has or what everyone else gets to experience, or what everyone else wants, we forget to stop and be grateful for the moments, the little moments we are blessed with. It is such a waste to dwell on what isn't. So please, remember to take enough time to really look at all the moments, memories, and more you do have and give thanks for those. Be grateful...be grateful in the moment.
1 comment:
I think you are brave to get out of the house with all 4 kiddos!!! :) And that is super weird that a stranger would ask you if you are done...what difference does it make to them. Glad you are surviving and keeping a positive attitude. The fact that they are all beautiful is a nice bonus ;)
Post a Comment