My Blessed Life

You know how when you drive someplace familiar, like to the grocery store for example, you spend most of the time on autopilot because you've traveled that way so many times? Most of the time you get to the store and realize you barely remember the journey there. Then there are a few occasions when you are aware of the trip - you notice the leaves changing colors on the trees, or the steam rising up from the freshly plowed fields, or even the inconvenient road construction and orange barrels. I kind of feel like my life is like that trip to the grocery store sometimes. But for some reason, the past couple weeks I have been acutely aware of the journey and just how beautiful it really is.

Tonight I sat outside and watched Danielle twirl around in the yard. She was making up silly dances for me and talking about teaching them to her friends at school. When I looked at her, I noticed how much taller she's gotten, how long her hair is, and how much she's grown in more ways than just physically. And as she twirled and giggled, I found myself thinking how lucky I am to be her mom.

After I put the kids to bed tonight, I came downstairs and attempted to straighten up a little. I found a picture Danielle drew for Ron, who is gone today. With her 1st grade knowledge, she wrote "Well came home Daddy" and drew a picture underneath. I added it to her stack of artwork and smiled. She's so creative and tenderhearted, and she loves her daddy so much.

Usually Tyler prays the exact same prayer every night at bedtime. Tonight, though, without prompting, he prayed that "Dad would feel SO MUCH better in the morning" because he's sick and travelling and has a presentation to give. Then my son asked me if I would sit and talk with him for awhile. He told me about some things he read recently, and we talked and laughed. Then he told me I was the best mom ever and that he loved me. Then he added, "And do you know why I love you, Mom? Just because you're you!" That was followed by an unsolicited hug. How beautiful is that?

And lately it's not even been the touching moments that have caught my attention. Things like cleaning the house - I'm so glad we have such a nice, warm house to clean. It holds so many happy memories. Like cleaning up the dog toys - how lucky are we to have such fun pets with such distinctive personalities. Like doing the laundry - I'm so thankful our children have clothes for the seasons, nice clothes. Like volunteering at the school - how lucky am I to get to be a part of my kids' school lives? Not every parent has the opportunity to do that, but I do, and I'm so grateful for it. And even my husband traveling - I hate it that he travels, but I'm so thankful I have a husband who will come home to me. A husband who loves our children as much as I do and works so very hard to provide for us. How lucky am I?


With work and school and afterschool activities, it's so easy to run on autopilot. The days blur into weeks and months and years. But when I really pay attention, I am awestruck by just how beautiful the journey really is.