I'm pausing right now.
Tears are softly sliding down my cheeks.
Art is watching a taped sporting event. I'm glad I don't know the outcome of that game... I'd be so tempted to taunt him with possibilities of me accidentally spilling the beans.
The boys are home with friends in tow. Deep voices escape their rooms with bursts of laughter. Boys quietly turning into men are playing video games tonight.
Hope is asleep in one of my bedroom chairs. Her breathing is steady. Her curls falling haphazardly around her beautiful face. Her pink polished toes are sticking out from the blanket wrapped about her. When did her feet grow big enough to wear my shoes?
Little Brooke is snuggled close on my bed with me. She was so frustrated because she wanted to swim with big sis, Ashley, and friends. But I kept her inside with me. I'm glad I did. We snuggled and giggled and watched a movie together. She lasted 4 minutes into the movie before her eyes closed and sweet dreams became her entertainment.
And Ashley, now done with swimming, is flitting about the house with 4 great friends. The clock will strike midnight soon and it will officially be the day she turns 13 years old.
I want so desperately to freeze this moment. To drink in every sound, every sight, every delightful evidence of life. So many things to be thankful for.
I've had thousands of these every day life minutes but tonight is different.
I remembered to pause. To acknowledge what I've been blessed with. I didn't rush the kids off to bed so I could have my time.
I sat and soaked in the moment.
And with every tear that spilled out, I felt more and more full.
Tears are softly sliding down my cheeks.
Art is watching a taped sporting event. I'm glad I don't know the outcome of that game... I'd be so tempted to taunt him with possibilities of me accidentally spilling the beans.
The boys are home with friends in tow. Deep voices escape their rooms with bursts of laughter. Boys quietly turning into men are playing video games tonight.
Hope is asleep in one of my bedroom chairs. Her breathing is steady. Her curls falling haphazardly around her beautiful face. Her pink polished toes are sticking out from the blanket wrapped about her. When did her feet grow big enough to wear my shoes?
Little Brooke is snuggled close on my bed with me. She was so frustrated because she wanted to swim with big sis, Ashley, and friends. But I kept her inside with me. I'm glad I did. We snuggled and giggled and watched a movie together. She lasted 4 minutes into the movie before her eyes closed and sweet dreams became her entertainment.
And Ashley, now done with swimming, is flitting about the house with 4 great friends. The clock will strike midnight soon and it will officially be the day she turns 13 years old.
I want so desperately to freeze this moment. To drink in every sound, every sight, every delightful evidence of life. So many things to be thankful for.
I've had thousands of these every day life minutes but tonight is different.
I remembered to pause. To acknowledge what I've been blessed with. I didn't rush the kids off to bed so I could have my time.
I sat and soaked in the moment.
And with every tear that spilled out, I felt more and more full.
Maybe this is the true secret to contentment. Not reaching back for what was lost in my yesterdays. And not reaching for what I hope will be in my tomorrow. But living fully with what is right in front of me. And truly seeing the gift of this moment.
On this memorial day weekend, there is so much that each of us can pause and remember and be thankful for. And to everyone who has ever served in the armed forces to protect the freedom we have, I pause and thank God for you as well.
FYI... On Tuesday I'll announce the Suzanne Eller book giveaway winners.
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