The Everyday

As I sit down on the couch to have devotions while my children are napping, I first pick up a couple of crayons off the couch and clear a spot for my afternoon cup of coffee on the coffee table.  I lean back onto a wooden knife and kiwi and I smile.  I have children.

I take a shower and I hear little voices calling, "Mommy".  I would love five minutes of peace to shower, but the years it took me to get to this place, instead, make me smile.  I have children.

I sit down to eat lunch and there is a smiling face next to me and another across from me. I forgot their water cups and the napkin holder is empty.  Someone spills their drink and the dog needs to go outside.  This is my new "lunch".  It is beautiful to me. Yes, I remind myself, it is beautiful.  I have children.

She puts on a frilly dress and she spins and twirls.  She wants to be in my arms as I am trying to make dinner.  Why do I wish she would go play?  I scoop her up and remind my heart to treasure these moments, I have a daughter.

For every explanation there seems to be another "why".  He is so inquisitive and his little mind is soaking up every new piece of information and experience that comes his way and he must know why.  Why do I sometimes wish he would stop asking why?  I look to his dad for an answer and offer this sweet boy yet another explanation, for I have a son.

Sometimes I have to remind myself of the beauty in the everyday, for even though I waited a long time for these moments, it is still too easy to take them for granted.  I so want to treasure every precious moment God gives me with my children, even the everyday ordinary moments.  These moments are opportunities for praise. I have children.  I haven't forgotten the pain and ache of the wait, the longing and the wondering.  Now they are home, in my home, and all I can say is, "Thank you Jesus. Thank you for the everyday".

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" ~James 1:17