So I guess blogging hasn't been a large part of my life's new routine to date!
What is, however, part of the new routine is spending oodles of time soaking in the fun of living with and learning alongside my husband and children. With great sincerity, I can say that I am thrilled with the decision that my husband and I made for me to discontinue my work outside the home so that I could fully invest in my family. So far, no regrets.
What a full summer it has been to date! Who knew it could be so rewarding to grab notebooks, take the kids outside to the backyard, each grab a leaf/flower/bug, and then sketch to our hearts content? Does anyone else get a total kick out of combining dance parties with training a 5-year-old how to vacuum the kitchen? How many women get the satisfaction of being what they used to dream about being when they grew up? I am so blessed. Truly.
I've learned a couple things in recent months. (Mental note: accelerate learning curve so that more than two things are learned in 4 months' time.)
1) I'm not very effective without a schedule and goals sitting in front of me everyday. If it's not written down, it's likely not going to get done. That's just me. I am good at wasting time if I'm not careful. Funny how the hours of the day get used up with unnecessary things if I am not intentionally filling them with the things I say are important to me. Which actually are important to me. Really. I just get lazy sometimes.
2) I have taken my husband for granted too often. Now that I'm not running quite so ragged myself, I see what a delicate balancing act he performs as he provides for our family, intentionally cultivates his relationships with myself and the kids, develops his own gifts and abilities, and serves others selflessly. I know now that husbands shoulder a bigger responsibility than us wives give them credit for sometimes, and I am humbled to see my man serving God, me, and others with a grace and sincerity that deserves my honor and respect.
So, one day at a time, I'm seeking to be faithful in the little things, have eyes that wonder joyously at the beauty around me, and at the end of the day, give unrestrained thanks to God for his mercies that are new every morning. And today I'm giving thanks for my daily schedule on the clipboard on the counter and for my husband who is hundreds of miles away and esteemed very highly in my heart.
