things that are helping me make it through all this.
1. Ok, the GREATEST gift package was left for me the other day by me dear, sweet, lovely next-door-neighbor. If I was somebody like Oprah, recommending "my favorite things" I'd snag this girl up for my team and take all the credit for her genius discoveries. Because I am not Oprah, instead I'll tell you, Crystal has excellent taste in food that makes you feel incredible when you're pregnant and sick. Plus she is an insightful, compassionate soul, and just being around her is inspiring and uplifting.
(I seriously passed up a nap to eat the orchard peach sorbet she brought by.)
2. My parents, who come often to my aid. The other day my mom was expressing her wish that she could be "there for me" more often. I told her that I know I'm not the center of the universe, to which she replied, "Yes, you are. All my children are." So I got to thinking about how hard it must be when the universe starts splitting, when kids grow and move away from home, and parents can't be everywhere, all at once. This thought prods me further to cherish my little family that can still all squish into one bed together.
3. My husband. He's not here often, but when he is here, he is good and kind and supportive. He sat with me this morning while I barfed right before we went to church, and he told me he was proud of me for going and teaching the children anyway. He reminds me to have faith in Heavenly Father and faith in myself. And he doesn't get mad at me when I say (realistic) things like, "these dishes aren't getting done until we buy a dishwasher." I love him.
4. Forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, all from a loving Father have helped me so much. I have not been at my best. I have begrudged the extra responsibilities I've had. I have been a grumpy, ol' mom. I have been downright sour, seeing in myself all the possible ugliness I could become with an unchecked attitude. And I have asked Him to help me and felt His love despite my blundering humanity.
5. My children, who are my greatest comforts and strengths. They whisper to me that they miss their daddy, and it reaches my heart, filling me with an assurance that I am not alone. They regularly snuggle me to sleep, their cold feet on my legs helping me to feel as if just my body warmth (all I have to give sometimes) is enough to nurture them. They give me purpose.
I hope that as the waves of life hit you, you have strong hands to hold you. I am so very thankful not to have washed away.
(I seriously passed up a nap to eat the orchard peach sorbet she brought by.)
2. My parents, who come often to my aid. The other day my mom was expressing her wish that she could be "there for me" more often. I told her that I know I'm not the center of the universe, to which she replied, "Yes, you are. All my children are." So I got to thinking about how hard it must be when the universe starts splitting, when kids grow and move away from home, and parents can't be everywhere, all at once. This thought prods me further to cherish my little family that can still all squish into one bed together.
3. My husband. He's not here often, but when he is here, he is good and kind and supportive. He sat with me this morning while I barfed right before we went to church, and he told me he was proud of me for going and teaching the children anyway. He reminds me to have faith in Heavenly Father and faith in myself. And he doesn't get mad at me when I say (realistic) things like, "these dishes aren't getting done until we buy a dishwasher." I love him.
4. Forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, all from a loving Father have helped me so much. I have not been at my best. I have begrudged the extra responsibilities I've had. I have been a grumpy, ol' mom. I have been downright sour, seeing in myself all the possible ugliness I could become with an unchecked attitude. And I have asked Him to help me and felt His love despite my blundering humanity.
5. My children, who are my greatest comforts and strengths. They whisper to me that they miss their daddy, and it reaches my heart, filling me with an assurance that I am not alone. They regularly snuggle me to sleep, their cold feet on my legs helping me to feel as if just my body warmth (all I have to give sometimes) is enough to nurture them. They give me purpose.
I hope that as the waves of life hit you, you have strong hands to hold you. I am so very thankful not to have washed away.
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