"Summer Fun...."

Summer is officially under way. Hard to fathom another year has come and gone. I guess that's how life goes though - here today, gone tomorrow, but then tomorrow becomes another today - and the cycle continues. In the midst of busyness, discipline, meal plans, failed meals, breaking up of arguments, mounds of laundry, and grief,  I am asking God to please show me the extraordinary in the ordinary. He is gracious to open my eyes to things that I otherwise would miss - and quite honestly, miss alot because I am too focused on my own failures and insecurities, and obligations.

Elijah Brooks held my hand today and said, "you're the greatest mom in the whole world and thank you for all that you do" - just because. That is extraordinary.

Ellison puckered up her little lips and made the loudest kissing sound one has ever heard, threw her arms around my neck and patted me on the back - just because.  That is extraordinary.

Jay came home after a long day, immediately started playing with the kids and loving them, and me in the process - just because. That is extraordinary.

These days, I am trying to be much kinder to myself. Trying not to get so worked up about things that simply do not matter (I am definitely a work in progress, and need much more progress in this area).  But, I am aware of it and that is half the battle.  I am praying my way through letting go of expectations, or supposed expectations that I put on myself, and be purposeful about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. It's there, all the time.  The question is where is my focus....., and honestly, I need my perspective adjusted hourly so that I can see it, and see HIM, who is truly extraordinary.