Today, I am thankful.
Today, I am thankful that Anna's extra long nap threw off our schedule, so that Ella and I ended up eating our lunch in the car, while parked at the grocery store. She loved sitting in the front seat with me to share our lunch. And she chattered away...and for once there was nothing to distract me so I chattered away with her.
I am thankful that I had the time this morning to take Aidan's hands in mine and pray with him before he went to school...that he would have a good day, and be a light in the darkness, and point others to Jesus.
I am thankful that every time Anna sees me from across the room, not only does she smile, but she kicks her feet and waves her arms, and if I start coming towards her, she starts laughing. Pure joy.
I am thankful that Ella pretends my book light is a cell phone...
...and she used it to call God...
...and told Him she really likes his dancing.
I am thankful that Ella helped unload and put away the groceries today...without being asked.
I am thankful that Ella was a perfect angel in the grocery store...that was never the case just a year ago...hey, this parenting stuff really works...if you keep at it, and never give up.
I am thankful that while we were waiting in the LONG line at the grocery store, Ella said, "I am frustrated that we have to wait! I'm going to tell God."
I am thankful that after telling God she was frustrated, Ella sang, "I told God I'm frustrated and he said, 'be happy,' so now I'm Haaaaaaaaaaaapppppppppppppppy!!"
I am thankful that Ella loves to find new ways to make her baby sister laugh...and always makes me laugh in the process.
Mostly, I am thankful that I get to be here for all of this...and not somewhere else...hearing about all this from someone else. I'm thankful that we're making this one income thing work...even though insurance is going up (again), and groceries are going up, and gas is going up and the paycheck is staying the same (again)...I'll leave all that up to God...I'll just call him, tell him it's frustrating, and then, I'll be happy...happy to be here, raising my kids and filling them with good things. Today, I am very thankful.
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure." Psalm 71:14-15
I love it! I'm so grateful to be able to share these moments with my kids also. My mil couldn't be a sahm, she used to tell me to never take it for granted. Hearing her regret over those missed moments with her boys really hit home with me. :-)
ReplyDeleteTHanks, you gave me a smile. Jennifer
ReplyDeleteJessica, I am a friend of your mom's and she told me about your blog. It is such an encouraging blog for young mothers!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that we also chose the one income route and are so very thankful that we did it. Our 3 daughters are grown now, but we had very many opportunities to see the Lord provide specifically for our needs and some of our wants due to the challenge of very little money.
I was reading a journal that I had written back in the 80's and it was the account of when my 5-year old had wanted to go to the circus. We had to tell her that we just weren't able to go that year and she told us that she was going to ask God to help us go. I hate to admit that we were shocked when a casual acquaintance called us and asked if we would like 2nd row tickets to the circus! Of course, my daughter wasn't shocked and was incredibly excited that God had helped us to go see the lions and elephants! The expression of joy on her face was priceless and the memory a constant encouragement of the Lord's love for His children!
Keep up the good work.......you will never regret the time you spend with your children (even those days where everyone is sick, every dish is dirty, and every dollar has been accounted for)!!! Thanks for sharing the stories.
Cheryl