In this short time period we have had a sampling of almost everything that I love and find joy in. The variety of experiences has made these past 2 weeks kind-of a microcosm of our lives, encapsulating in a small amount of time the characteristic delights and encounters that make up our lives, right down to the unfortunate "row" that my husband and I had a week ago!
Our family, our God, our interests, our strengths, have all swirled around us recently.
- Easter! Celebrating our Savior's Resurrection is the culmination of our faith and joy! We prepared our hearts with God's Word and we attend our own church, Crosspoint Church, as well as my parents' church, EHBC.
- 2 of our does gave birth, giving us one kid each! The preciousness and miracle of new life never gets old.
- This has meant fresh, raw milk and I have enjoyed every part of that: Milking, cooking, making yogurt and soap and butter.
- The Great Outdoors. I believe that spending time in nature, in God's Creation, is healing for us. I love sharing these times with my family. Hiking, Cross-country skiing. Micah was camping last night! (Brrrr!!)
- Family Time! We've had our work & school to do, but we've had time together: Ice cream, games, movies, walks & talks. Time with all our children, our parents, and our nieces and nephew.
- We've had new accomplishments and favorite experiences: Micah joined the Boy Scouts! Micah went to MA for the History Bee. Micah shot a 500 lb wild boar! Kevin went skiing with a friend. Noelle volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club.
These past 2 weeks are such an example of me, to me, that they bring to mind:
- First and foremost- ALWAYS first and foremost: Thank you, Jesus! For all the good things You do! (-Keith Green)
- How we are uniquely made by God. And whenever I start to think about that, I also ponder if I am honoring the unique ways that God made my husband, my son, my daughter, my mother, my friend... I am guessing -just guessing!- that not everyone would love milking twice a day- The act and the preparation and clean-up and the fact that it means one needs to be home every morning and every evening! I am guessing- just guessing- that not everyone "comes alive" on a hike!! It is a sincere, intentional goal, even mantra, of mine to honor the uniqueness of others, particularly my family, by not trying to pressure them to be or do what they were not made to be or do, as well as to help them discover and genuinely celebrate who God made them to be and their individual, unique desires, skills, gifts, and interests.
- Comparison destroys contentment. (-Heidi Roseman!) Why do I always come back to this one? Probably because it's a struggle for me. To be content. (Oh, what I wouldn't do for 10 children!!!) And to not compare! I don't intend to do it, but it happens. It helps to have a heart of gratitude: Thank you Jesus for what You have done!
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