Deliberate.
A few weekends ago I was really deliberate about not getting any sleep and cleaning up lots of vomit. I really could have done without that. Thankfully, my body was also deliberate about not catching that nasty bug and I miraculously was the only one who didn't get sick. That was definitely a God thing.
This past week I've been focusing on looking at life with fresh eyes.
Focusing on the little things. The little things that, in and of themselves, might be trivial or even annoying. But they're the little things that remind me of the BIG blessings.
They're easy to overlook. But when I see them, I'm overwhelmed. In a good way.
First we have this:
This blue tub is full of almost every single piece of paper and project that Zane has brought home from preschool. And that kid sitting next to that blue tub sorting through and admiring all of those papers?
That would be Zane.
The same Zane who, less than a year ago, wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with learning.
I underestimated him. Big. Time.
And this:
Friday morning I put a whole PB&J sandwich in that container and packed it in my daughter's lunch. Friday afternoon when she came home from school it was empty.
The same girl who used to be consumed with so much anxiety about school that she couldn't stomach a bite of breakfast or lunch EVERY day for months is now eating 2 bowls of cereal for breakfast and WHOLE sandwiches for lunch.
Thank you, Jesus. Period.
And finally, these:
At a New Year's Eve party I felt the urge to mention to our wonderful Dr. Podiatrist friend that Ty's 2nd toe on each foot always sticks up. He took a quick look and here we are a month later with the cutest little pair of toddler orthotics to help correct all the issues we never knew he had. And to make it even cooler, the speech therapists think that maybe, just maybe, this might be why his speech is so delayed.
Isn't God cool how He works things out like that?
BONUS: Our "risky" HMO insurance covers these plastic puppies at 100% every time he needs a new pair. Which is probably every 6 months. Nice.
Little things are huge.
Fresh eyes are nice.
This is GREAT!! Love the post and to see what leaps and strides the kiddos are doing in your household. And i LOVE the new header! Very clever and cool.
ReplyDeleteA.M.E.N.!!! Thank you, Jesus! I am SO glad to see God work, I've been praying, especially for the oldest and the anxiety issues (God keeps putting her on my heart).
ReplyDeleteI also love the new layout. Looks great.
Love you, dear friend. And I. miss. you.
Great perspective, Jessica! Thanks for sharing! I keep trying to focus on all the things we have to be thankul for because there are a lot, even in the midst of trials. Besides Mike losing his job, my dad was just diagnosed with lung cancer on Monday. We are thankful because it appears to be contained to one spot on his right lung. He will be having surgery on Monday to remove the upper lobe of his right lung. I am so thankful for a Christian dad who has a good perspective!
ReplyDeleteJulie Nicholas
Thanks for stopping by! I'm loving the accountability of our Read with Me group!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post. These are all everyday blessings that might get missed if you weren't looking for them, but when you consider how special and specific each one is? Wow. God is great. What a great reminder of all the ways God blesses us every single day!
This is such a great post. So uplifting! God is amazing, isn't He? I love reading things like this. Know that I am rejoicing with you over these "little" things. :)
ReplyDeleteJessica -- I'll try to find you at school to say this in person, but what a blessing your blog is! No wonder you were struck by some of my words because I think we see the world the same way. I'm also thinking we should be friends. :o) Your insights in this post are tremendous and I feel blessed to have read it. May God watch over you and yours.
ReplyDelete