The Morning After

"I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little." Philippians 4:11-12

After a long hug from my soul-mate we just softly smile at each other. No words are exchanged. They simply are not needed. We enjoyed the comforts of a warm spaghetti dinner and actually shared some laughs over America's Got Talent!

While the kids ran off to shower and wind down for the evening, I brought him into the office and read him my blog. It is something special that I do for my husband. When he doesn't have his reading glasses, he can barely read anything. However, even when he does have them, he still asks me to read - he says he enjoys my voice :)

Sadly, this is one time that I just wanted him to read the words on the screen while I walked away. Instead, he pulls up a chair and gives me the floor. Of course, I don't even make it through the first paragraph. I've had several people tell me in the past that my blogs make them cry. I apologize but tell them that's because I cry when I write them!

As hard as it is, there is incredible comfort in duet-crying; especially when it is your husband.

The morning after is always full of a variety of emotions. The morning after you get married is just unexplainable - you are ecstatic with glee! The morning after you return home from a long vacation is tiring but rewarding; there truly is no place like home. The morning after you bury your second brother leaving you as an only child is a dreadful, atrocious, empty feeling.

Today, I have mixed feelings as well. Even though I screamed and cried in the shower, I have a smile on my face and hope in my steps. My son is refreshed and ready to deal with his basket of lemons. As soon as the kids wake up, they come find me and sit on my lap while we hug and rock for a minute or so. It's tradition and apparently they still enjoy it since they come to me! I will say that it's a little awkward trying to hold, hug and rock my daughter who is bigger and taller than me in every aspect! Sometimes she just slides off and falls to the ground laughing!

Adam found me on the computer this morning and sat down for his morning cuddle time. After only a few seconds, he lifted his head from my shoulder and asked, "Are you okay, momma?" He has such a precious, intuitive spirit.

And the answer?

Yes.

I am okay. Although I am not looking forward to the events that lie ahead of us, I am exciting to see what good things the Lord will bring about and what surprising doors He will open!

One of our favorite scripture verses for our household is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

There you have it. It's already settled. HE is in control - not me. He actually loves my children more than I do! Do I think I can do a better job than He? Do I think I know better? Can I make the wisest decisions for my children outside of God's council? No, no and no!

They are yours, Lord, and I trust you explicitly with their lives.

As I am learning from Ann Voskamp...thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives.