Surprises and Simplicity

We love our new house, by the way.

The original owners planted many lovely shrubs, flowers and trees around the property. However, we bought this house as a foreclosure. Therefore, most of this landscaping is quite overgrown and out of control. It reminds me of my favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden. The work to tame the wildness and create our own vision here seems overwhelming at times, especially in the wake of giving birth. I let go of the plan to begin a vegetable garden this year (I didn't think we could handle it so soon). So, imagine my delight when I discovered, hidden amongst the weeds, the forsythia and azaleas- strawberries (lots of them), blackberries and raspberries! Yay for surprise summer fruits!

Yes, spring has been good to us. Or rather, God has been good to us this spring. We are so blessed with goodness and sweetness!

 

My cup is full to overflowing. 

As I learn to be a mom to three, my greatest struggle is being gentle with myself when I am faced with my numerous shortcomings and failures. God knows that I can't possible do and be all that I want right now. But, I am learning to be grateful for all the little things that I do accomplish in a day. 

I made breakfast, thank you Lord. I swept the floor, thank you Lord. I read a book to Elijah, thank you Lord. I nursed Naomi, thank you Lord. And I am learning to let go of all the things that I can't do and the long, ever growing list of things I'd like to do.... one day. 

On Sunday, I bowed my head in church and prayed for simplicity. No, it was more than that, it was for the ability to simplify. Or more exactly, I prayed that God would give me the ability to simplify and to feel no loss over the things that have to fall away. Yes, that's it. It was a prayer for peace about what I have and what I am and what I can do. And the ability to allow the rest to peacefully... fall... away. To feel no loss or regret about those things. Doesn't that sound nice?

    The LORD preserves the simple;
   I was brought low, and He saved me.

Return to your rest, O my soul,
         For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. 

Psalm 116:6-7

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! We are so thankful to be together on this peaceful snowy day (5 inches, so far!); the first Christmas in our new house. Thank you for praying for us over the last few months. We moved into our new home just after Thanksgiving. The last few weeks have been very full with moving, unpacking, getting settled in, then each of us fell very sick, too.

In the midst of all of this, we also experienced a great tragedy in our extended family. This, in addition to deep sadness and grief, caused us to pull closer to one another, in gratitude for children and family and "every good and perfect gift from above" (James 1:17). With all this going on, I have had much to say, but have been too overwhelmed to bring it to this space. I hope to be back here more in the coming new year.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and very blessed and sacred day together; full of remembrance and awe for the greatest gift ever given- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) May you all truly know the love of Jesus today and always.