We were all grumpy fussing at each other. I couldn't seem to pull anyone out of the pit of gloom. Each kid found one after another to bug or be bugged by. My best efforts to talk sweetly weren't working and even when I did squeeze out a few words like honey, no one bought them. The grump continued.
But it was Friday. We didn't need to push past anything at that hour. And certainly not in the frame of heart. Finally, we stopped writers mid-sentence, packed everyone up and sent everyone outside. "Go get some sunshine, some fresh air. This day is too beautiful for us to be in here right now.... We have got to change this up!!"
I slumped on the couch, cried, prayed and listened to a podcast- modeling Christ to our children, with my dear Ann Voskamp, at a Catalyst conference recently. (Catalyst podcast episode # 289 I think?) Helpful encouragement... and I need just that, so very much.
Then there was a hefty heap of jelly beans (thank you Grandma and Grandpa) to bring downstairs for a bit of joy intervention. By the time I made it to the ground floor they were all refreshed, renewed with sunshine and cheer, and each one was covered with earth. I decided just to relax and take in the sweetness, dirt and all... grubby hands, grabbing jelly beans, restoring, remembering joy. And we came back upstairs happier again.
Your grace- in fresh creation, space to run and jump and shout, remembering to laugh aloud- your grace renews us, Lord. Thank you, Thank you.
And here are photos from our playtime and jellybean joy.... probably way too many photos for anyone but the jellybean givers! Thank you again for the sweet gifts, Grandma and Grandpa!
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| eyes on daddy six floors up when he was calling out for us |
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| She's found a secret recipe for happy-silliness in walking, twisting her head and wiggling all that she can. Everyone should try it :) |
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