Y'all. My kids are back in school. I both miss them terribly and am glad to see them go.
I miss the play time, reading together, and sweet cuddles. Yet, I am so glad to see them run into their class room because they can't wait to see their teacher and friends and get to learning and playing.
As I look back at summer and forward to our next school holiday, my thoughts were abruptly stopped last night at the dinner table. Liam asked, "What is the present?" He knew what history was and almost had the future but he wasn't sure what qualified as the present. So we explained as I was quietly convicted that it had been a long time since I stopped to appreciate my specific present.
So here is my present exercise: As I prepare to go to my mom's group, I am listening to stories and songs as performed by Hannah while Ranen is enthralled by her older sister. Liam gave me big hugs just a few minutes ago. Eric got the kids ready and took Liam to school so I could take a shower all by myself. God has blessed our little town with an unseasonably cool season and I can hear the birds outside my open window.
The exercise of slowing down to think of all the blessings I am experiencing in this moment can be overwhelming. And I am grateful to serve such a great God who sees fit to bless me daily.
