Taking time to "Smell the Roses"

In the past month as I've struggled as a homeschool mom and as a parent, the Lord has been gently reminding me to slow down and enjoy the now; to enjoy the precious moments He has given me! Whether it's been a blog post, daily devotional, scripture or a passing comment from a friend, it has been a recurring theme that has been nagging at me. I've been challenged greatly to LOOK for the delightful moments (in the midst of the bumpy times), to lessen the distractions, and to find ways to joyfully engage with my children.

Some "roses" I'm smelling today...
1) I delighted in a bike ride through the neighborhood with the boys. I especially enjoyed Aaron pedaling so fast on his bike with his mouth open and tongue curled in delight. He kept saying, "Awesome!"

2) Digging up earthworms and watching them wriggle in little hands.

3) Eating lunch together on the deck with a cool breeze and bright sunshine.

4) Eating spinach from our garden in my salad for lunch. yummy!

5) Pulling weeds in the yard while the boys pretended to be a lawn care crew. They used plant stakes to pretend to trim and weedwack the yard. All three were kept busy with this for 30+ minutes complete with "buzzing" noises and pretty realistic sound effects. Almost put me to sleep... almost. :)

6) Painting with the boys -- I don't usually enjoy this because of the clean up and the short attention span, but ever since art class they are inspired! I have delighted in their creativity today.

It's time to pull out our thankful journal and pick up where we left off. It's such a good thing for my heart to practice looking for these blessings from God!

I did it again.

So, I have this habit of doing one thing and then getting interrupted by something else. Sometimes, I just forget that I was multitasking. Anyone relate to that?? :)

Can you guess what happened... again??

I love to drink water out of this huge mason jar. I refill it at least three times a day. It fits perfectly in this spot and can fill up while I walk away and do something else. However, I've been known to forget... until I hear the water pouring all over the floor. Oh my! What a mess I make! Maybe this is one habit I need to eliminate. :}

Laundry Piles and Dirty Toilets

Part of my "job" as mom is to deal with the never ending piles of dirty laundry, clean laundry, folded laundry, dirty dishes, clean dishes, dusting, vacuuming, meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparations, dirty sinks, dirty floors and dirty toilets. The list is endless and seemingly never-ending. Did I mention how dirty our toilets can get in just one day? Beware if you stop by unexpectedly. ack!

My house is perpetually dirty and messy. Really. Some of you may not believe me because I'm a fast "quicker picker upper" if I know you are coming over. (That was my nickname growing up.) But this past year especially, I've struggled to keep up with the housework on top of my other responsibilities as wife, parent (referee) and teacher. 

The thing is, I'm generally not lazy. The value of hard work was definitely modeled to me by my parents growing up. I like to work hard, but I keep running out of time. Lately it feels as though I've been getting swallowed by the mess and filth around me and it really bothers me. I spend so much time doing things that get undone in seconds and I wonder if it matters. Is it a waste of my time? Shouldn't I be spending my time doing things that are more important for eternity? What about all the ways I could serve at church? Or all the other mission opportunities, specifically orphan care which has been pricking my heart?

Here is what God is speaking to me in response to this. 

* I'm trying too hard to do everything in my own strength. I need to repent of that. I love a God who cares for me and cares about the details of my life. He cares about the things that feel hard for me. He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He is fully capable of giving me a peace about the mess and giving me extra energy to accomplish what is truly important. He can encourage me. He can help me to see the big picture so that I don't become consumed with my self. He will lead and guide me if I listen to Him. 

* Even in the seemingly insignificant tasks of motherhood, God can help me to have a joyful and thankful heart which brings Him glory! "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17) 

God uses music quite often to speak to me. This song by Steven Curtis Chapman has been spinning through my head all day and has really encouraged me. Here are just a few of the lyrics.

Do Everything by Steven Curtis Chapman

You’re picking up toys on the living room floor

for the 15th time today

Matching up socks and sweeping up lost

Cheerios that got away

You put a baby on your hip and color on your lips

and head out the door

And while I may not know you I bet I know you

Wonder sometimes does it matter at all

Well let me remind you it all matters just as long as you

Do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you

Cause He made you to do

Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face

And tell the story of grace

With every move that you make

And every little thing you do

Little stuff big stuff in between stuff

God sees it all the same

And while I may not know you I bet I know you

Wonder sometimes does it matter at all

We’ll let me remind you it all matters just as long as you do

Everything you do to the glory of the One who made you

Cause He made you

To do every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face

And tell the story of grace with every move that you make

And every little thing that you do

Now if I just spent less time updating my blog, maybe my house would be more clean! Ha!