A Rough Morning

This morning was rough. I guess I woke up grouchy and things just didn't seem to be going my way. But, in the midst of my grown-up temper tantrum (which is basically what it was) I received two blessings. The first was from a dear friend who was literally an answer to an unasked prayer and the second was sweet little Lauren, so innocent and busy and totally unaware and unbothered by mom's foul mood.

My friend called at the perfect moment and could tell that I wasn't my normal self. Immediately she was able to offer the help that solved my frustrating problems and I was able to take a step back, calm down, and realize that that she was the blessing I needed. I even told her, " I think you're like my angel to help with this at this moment" and she really was.

Lauren, my other little blessing was as happy and busy as could be and, despite my bad mood, was focusing on her little world and how happy she could make it. All she wanted to do was paint with watercolors. She got her brush and her little cup and found the watercolors (which I accidentally left out yesterday) and was busy trying to paint. It was just such a sweet blessing to step back and realize that there was more going on- even just with me and the girls- than my own little problems, and I found myself apt to help her stay so happy. I pulled the easel into the kitchen so she could be by me while I worked and she was so sweet just watercoloring away. I found that to be a blessing.

Positive Sunglasses

Today I noticed an interesting thing; and I think it is a blessing in my life. While driving I couldn't help but notice just how gorgeous the sunset was. We've been having beautiful weather, big harvest moons, and breath-taking sunsets, and I found myself in awe of how beautiful this last week has been. Then, I took off my sunglasses to get a better look and the clouds just weren't as bright, the sun wasn't as radiant, and the whole effect was less moving. I returned the sunglasses and it was gorgeous again. I was pondering this and the thought came to me at how similar this scenario is to life.

Sometimes I find myself looking at situations or predicaments that I am in and they just seem average or dreary or unimportant or impossible, and it isn't until I put on my 'sunglasses' that I really can see the silver lining shining at me so clearly. Is this too nerdy? I don't know, but I found myself being comforted by the thought. And I think that sometimes I need to choose to see things differently- better- and then move forward from there. I guess it's kind of a optimistic self-awareness that I can think of by just putting my metaphorical sunglasses on.

A Sunday Walk

Today the weather was so beautiful and I thought I would take full advantage of it and walk to church with the girls (from my parents house- that would be a LONG walk from our house). : ) Drew and I are trying to save on gas, so we've been driving only one car to church on Sunday- even though he has to be there an hour and a half before church starts, so this made for a great time filler for me and the girlies.

I just think the walk was a blessing. My Dad went with me and it was great just to relax and talk to him- I actually wished we could have just kept walking and talking, the girls did great (aka fell asleep), and the weather was so enjoyable.

Sundays have been a struggle for us, especially with the afternoon time and reverse schedule, so it was good to find the silver lining in late church and enjoy a nice walk.