This Extraordinary Life

I was thinking about this very thing this morning while I sat at the kitchen table for my quiet time and my little came clomp clomping down the stairs, shirtless (of course) with his wake up face and fuzzy hair spot from his pillow, still hanging onto "Fwog." He peeks around the corner, to see if I tell him its too early to be up, and when I open my arms instead, he stomps run over and I can still pick him up and put him in my lap. He snuggles right into my shoulder and we just sit for a few minutes before the day begins. This is the good stuff in this extraordinary life. God, help me never ever forget.

 

Maybe I just write... for me

Maybe I can continue this blog for the purpose I originally had.  A scrapbook of some sort for this difficult, extraordinary, glory filled, blessed life.  Maybe I don't try to turn this into something profitable, or something for others to read.  Maybe this scrapbook is just for me.  Maybe since it isn't to entertain others, but to document these days going too quickly, I don't need to find that perfect picture to post.  I don't need to create events to share that I feel are worthy of other's approval or enjoyment.  Maybe instead, I document daily life as it passes.  So I don't forget the really really good stuff.  Maybe there aren't a bunch of pictures because I forgot to take any as I was in the moment living it outside of a screen.  Maybe its just words sometimes.  Feelings.  Raw without edits.  Because I don't express myself with a camera like I do with words and thoughts. 

 

I don't craft.  I don't decorate especially well.  I don't cook creatively and really can't eat hardly anything at the moment due to medical issues and food allergies.  I'm not a health food fanatic.  I'm not a published writer.  I don't lead Bible studies or begin amazing organizations that help others less fortunate.  God has gifted others with these wonderful and necessary things.

 

But I can pray.  And I can encourage and lift others up.  I'm a relentless cheerleader.  A "you go, girl" girl.  I'm a lover of Jesus.  And I want others to see him like I do.  I can love on my husband and kids and family and enjoy the ups and downs.  I give great hugs.  I can be observant to other's feelings around me.  I pick up on vibes.  And I can act on them in love.  I can scream on a soccer field.  I can snuggle on the couch.  I give good gifts.  I can write notes and check in on people.  I do the best I can with what God puts in front of me today.

 

So this space?  I can write in this space.  And maybe, just maybe, I write just for me.

Thankful

Giggling, laughter, little boy sounds
All day Wii playing, movies in my bed
Soft blankets, furry lazy love surrounding my lap
Reading a whole book, while football is played in the living room
Red upper lips, lotion tissues, bed hair
Leftover sweet potatoes, chicken soup
Orange and cloves on the stove, twinkling Christmas lights
Mama Stone's little village, on snow
Chilly sunny days, making home cozy
Cracked walls, noisy floors, snuggling in blankets
Unfinished rooms, full of belonging
Fleece PJ pants, warm socks from the dryer
Cereal, coffee, pepperonis and popcorn
Small couch, one room downstairs
Imperfect decorations and imperfect people
Loving each other the best we know how
Sometimes the loud is not jokes and laughter
Grace given because grace was given
Fighting to keep His gift in the front
Listing the blessings and forgetting expectations
Turning off comparisons and pushing away disappointment
Breathing in moments, forgiving quickly
Not rushing, not striving, but living right now.