Dark is the Stain...

"I just want to be happy where I am."

This is what I heard myself telling one of our friends this week. He asked us how we were doing, knowing this busy stage of life that we're in. And in his unique way asked if we had our snorkelling gear on. I said I felt like I had my scuba gear on right about now! Ever since that fourth baby in five years made its way into our humble home, I have refused to feel like we are merely surviving the seasons, or getting by. Redeem the time! This is what I've always wanted to do. I have never wanted to wish away or hurry-up time. I already feel as though it's passing faster than I can keep up with it. As soon as I'm accustomed to something, another thing changes and we have to readjust. So my reference to scuba gear was my way of saying "things are overwhelming, but we're learning to live with it. We may not have the luxury to come up for air. But we have our oxygen tanks strapped on tight."

I want to be happy where I am. I want to know that what we are doing is exactly what God wants us to do right now. And I want that to fuel my joy. I experience peace when I know, it has to be this way right now, and we'll see God's faithfulness in this season too, as He's proven his steadfast love toward us in past seasons.

It's funny how just a couple of small inconveniences can feel like mountains to overcome when there's already an underlying amount of stress on the table.

And there are way too many metaphors in this blog post already.

Anyways.... I must log the high points. Those spontaneous conversations that happen between the kids and I. Those moments when they let me into their world. When they ask those special questions. Or when they make those observations about life, God, and others. These times happen, but if I'm not intentional about reflecting on those moments, or making time to dig deeper into a conversation, I will miss everything. And when those discouraging stormy times come, it's so easy to believe that lie that tells me that there aren't any blessings to behold, or we aren't making any progress.

High point #1 My middle daughter is reading Plain Girl by Virginia Sorensen at the moment. I finished it last week.
In our homeschool I like to ask the kids, periodically, to summarize the chapter they have read that day. It's not a daily thing, but I try and do this regularly with them. By the very title, it should tell you that Plain Girl is about an Amish family who aren't speaking about a rebellious older son, and about a younger daughter who has many questions about it. As well, she is finding herself in situations where she is torn between following her father's rules and thinking she would like to make up her own mind. This book has led us into speaking about works-based salvation, and why it appeals to people all over the world.

High point #2 My older son is reading Boys Body Book. And as much as I would like these puberty talks to be between father and son, and mother and daughter, it seems my son isn't too embarrassed to ask me some pointed questions about changes and feelings and wonderings. I'm so thankful he isn't embarrassed. I'd much rather have him asking me than Google or other friends at this point. So I'm practicing keeping a serious face (sometimes it's difficult not to blush at some of these questions!) and making matter-of-fact conversation with him when these topics come up.

High point #3 Having the chance to discuss the sanctity of life in light of what God teaches us in His Word. In the midst of messages that bombard our smart phones in social media, news broadcasts, and even agendas pushed on our favorite drama television shows, it's so important to be able to discuss worldviews with our kids. Of course, using discretion and discernment in our unique situations. Listening to my kids voice their opinions about social issues gives them a chance to process what they think and maybe measure it according to what we know Scripture has to say about these things. Our feelings can get tricky. And we must have God's Word (the benchmark for truth) helping to make the way clearer for us.

Okay - so not every conversation we have with our kids is a serious one. We spend plenty of time laughing together and playing too!

High Point #4 Turning on Snoopy dance videos on YouTube and laughing at each other try out dance moves - chicken dance, the floss, etc...... there's something really satisfying about embarrassing your 12-year-old by mom trying her best dance moves while lip syncing.  haha

On My Side Table

  

Quite the stack of books that I'm working through, therefore, I'm not moving very quickly through them. I have a few chapters left in In His Image, and sitting down with Own Your Life is about as refreshing as having tea with a wonderful friend I miss dearly from Canada, but I don't have time to rush through these at the moment. 

(Except for Caddie Woodlawn.... this is my decompress, relax, and be entertained, book.)