Summer is almost over, and we have been feeling that pull to get out and enjoy the last of it. Our outings are always so much more fun when Steve is home to come along with us. We went down to Jim Creek again this weekend, and enjoyed the warm evening together walking by the river.
Riggs loves exploring the shores of the river and spent much of the time this trip sitting in the dirt, tracing and scratching it with his fingers, stopping sometimes to inspect the dirt under his nails and to brush the mud off his palms. I just stood there and watched him, so entranced by his curious wonder. I felt so blessed and humbled to be there in that moment, with the mountains and glacier in the distance and that beautiful boy there in front of me and the time to stop and soak it all up.
As I stood there surrounded by my two loves and the beauty of God's creation, these words kept running through my head: "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not, remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." [Epicurus]
I have a husband who is also my best friend and a beautiful child who has infinitely brightened my world. Sometimes I need to spell that out for myself to realize how rich I truly am. I must be clear here, being married and having children are not things that we should focus our entire lives on accomplishing, they are not the things that should bring complete fulfillment and meaning to our lives. That's not the point of this post.
But I remember daydreaming for hours about the someday in my future that I would be married, and then have children. How so very far off those days seemed. Now here I am, in seemingly the blink of an eye, living the life I dreamed about so very much. And yet, how often do I remember to be thankful for these things I prayed so hard for? How often do I stop and just soak up how lovely my life is? Getting caught up in the hard moments is much more common and much more easy. By the end of the day I'm tired, worn out, and sometimes worn down. And yet still, I have so much. And I thank God for the blessings he has given me. And I am striving to give thanks much more regularly, to stop thinking and planning and worrying and just really live in the moment as it's happening.
I like new format but miss picture at top. I do agree with your sentiments - so easy yo forget to be thankful!
ReplyDeleteWow, seeing all the pictures and reading about all the tasty things you make there, certainly makes Palmer an appealing place to live! We are praying that God will open doors and show us for certain where he wants us to be....
ReplyDeleteThe cooler weather sounds so very nice too! It is still in the low 90's where we are. Our family really prefers colder weather and snow, which we don't get much of.
I should have added that yes, I agree and liked your post. It can be so easy to forget to live today in hoping for what is to come tomorrow. I think God has been teaching me that lately, so thank you for the reminder :-)
ReplyDeleteThese photos make me miss Alaska so much!! I am loving your new blog design! :D
ReplyDeleteWell said! There is certainly something about those moments when kids are totally engrossed in nature that makes us reflect on our many blessings...
ReplyDelete@CES: thanks for the feedback!
ReplyDelete@Those Huggins: I think from what you describe you would love it in Palmer! It's definetely a very family frienly place to live, and there's plenty of cold and snow ;)
@Melissa: Alaska misses you too! :( and thank you for the feedback!
@Andrea: it's so true! It's almost like I can see so much more clearly when I'm out in the midst of nature, and I'm always just filled to nearly bursting with gratitude!