We are 8 days into the month of May and we have already conquered so much...
Field Day,
Muffins for Moms,
Birthday party planning,
Standardized Testing,
Fundraisers,
Strings Concerts,
Class Projects,
A triathlon,
Final soccer games,
Wrapping up Bible Study,
Field trips,
plus all the other 'normal' stuff' and the month is still young!
The May-hem this fifth month brings is perhaps best summarized by this 'real life' snapshot from 7:45 last night.
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Yes, that is my family gathered around an outdoor trashcan in the Publix parking lot, eating fried chicken from a box. Of course there is more to the story, but the bottom line was simply this: Sometimes you've gotta do what you've gotta do.
It was a gorgeous night. There was laughter. No one went to bed hungry. And no one left that black trashcan/dinner table feeling unloved.
And while we certainly did not appear "together," in the truest sense of the word we were.
Oh perspective, how I love thee!
Life doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful--and quite frankly, being consumed with beauty and perfection is often deadly for real relationships. What matters most is simply being present--open to giving of ourselves and receiving in return.
So it may not be graceful, but I am here. As loose ends are being tied up, chapters are being closed and everything, it seems, MUST. BE. CELEBRATED!
Tonight I am reminded that more than the costumes, decorations, or pomp and circumstance what matters most is the posture of my heart.
So I am recommitted to keeping a positive attitude even though I am tired, because the finish line of this school year is in sight.
And in a few short weeks my children will undoubtably say, "We're bored!"
6 comments:
Thank you for this post! I really needed the reminder that even though we may have eaten peanut butter and jelly 2 nights in a row for dinner, I need to focus on the blessings that we have been given. I teach preschool so with the year coming to an end and my oldest three kids school year coming to an end we are crazy busy and so focused on finishing. We really need to focus on being content in the moment. Thank you!
LOVE this!! SO good...you never fail to use your words to help me right where I am!!
This picture is such a perfect depiction of what you're describing in your state of May-hem. You couldn't have planned it better if you tried! :)
As an introvert, a "big picture" (as opposed to detail-oriented) person, and a ridiculously sentimental gal, May is always a challenge for me. So many plans to make and implement, so many details to think of, so many events to attend, socializing to do, celebrations to enjoy (like you, we have a May birthday thrown into the mix), endings to mourn....Whew! I have to pray myself up before May starts if I want any chance of myself and my family surviving with sanity intact! I love your reminder that the state of my heart is more important than whether things are outwardly perfect. I'll try to allow everyone -- including myself -- extra grace this month!
This picture is AWESOME! What an authentic taste of this season of life. Hate to tell you the older they get the busier you will be, but Oh, the JOY!
Blessings to you dear mother. The days are long, but the years are so short.
Jenn this is beautiful. I cherish the real snapshots! Our Lord's definition of perfection is different from our own idea of it for sure. I am going to work on the posture of my heart this week.
I don't often comment, but I had to tell you that I. love. this post! I love it because I can so totally relate. My daughter is in her final year of middle school and my son is finishing third grade. Both are involved and passionate about their own things....which could not be more different from each other! We run in May like no other month, with all of the usual May things and TWO birthdays as well, but I am thankful! Mostly I am thankful that another mother understands the need to eat some Publix chicken in a parking lot during the month of May. :) Blessings to you.
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