Simple Moments

I am thankful:

~ for the simple moments. For a hot cup of coffee and Jesus at the start of my day. For crisp, freshly laundered white sheets. For elephant ears in my backyard and cheerful red caladiums in their pots. For so many people to hug every morning and kiss every night. Lord, give me eyes to see the beauty in the simple moments that so easily could be missed.

~ for Colton’s latest “adventure.” The commercial construction company he works for assigned him to a new project, a business remodel in Albuquerque, New Mexico! With less than 24 hours notice, he had to head out on the 10 hour drive, and the project is expected to last a month! Very overwhelming, but such a big step for him and a wonderful opportunity. We are so proud of him.

~ for my cute little nightly sleepwalker. We left Sawyer’s door hinge squeaky on purpose, so we hear when he comes out. Usually we help him find the restroom and direct him back to his room. But sometimes I find this. He laughed until he cried when I showed him this picture in the morning.

~ for our silly dogs. They are so much fun.

~ for my puzzle-master kids. They started and finished this in ONE DAY. Like less than 5 hours I think. 500 pieces are just too easy.

~ for a fun evening at the Cattle Barron’s Little Wranglers event. We saw several of Sawyer’s warrior friends, and hung out with Chismo, the painting pony.

~ for a message at church that was right to the point and right on time.

~ for the cutest little teeny tiny praying mantis.

~ for a good evening frying up chicken fried steaks with friends.

~ for my husband. He is so easy to celebrate. Our life is far from perfect. We have walked through many trials, and wrestled through pain and heartbreak time and time again. But this man is as steady as they come. He works hard, harder than anyone I have ever seen. He even works hard AFTER work TO RELAX! He has very high expectations and standards, and models how to reach them. He never fails to make me laugh, whether he’s teasing me or making up his own vocabulary that makes PERFECT SENSE. He loves deeply, sacrificially, and never ever puts himself first. He seeks the Lord in everything, and is not afraid to stand up for what is right. His kids will never ever wonder if they were loved by their dad. And every single day, they see the way he loves their mother. They see the way he honors me and cares for me and serves me as if it’s his most important job. I’ve never met a better man.

I wish I could pick and choose the bright spots and leave the rest. But that’s not real. Life is messy and some parts are really hard. But living in Christ, we have to cling to the promise that our best days are always before us. God is at work, refining and strengthening our faith, deepening our relationship with Him. There is purpose in it all. So whatever season we are in; whether we are skipping in the sunshine, crying in the rain, or agonizingly dragging ourselves across the desert, we just have to hold on to Jesus and take the next step. And however hokey that sounds, it really is that simple.

He’s that good.

Thanks for giving thanks with me.

“He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” (Deuteronomy 10:21)

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)

“The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”(Proverbs 16:9)

“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalms 121:1-3)