My weary body pressed against our worn oak dining chairs.
My brain seeming unable to rest.
A worry here, a worry there. I just wanted to write.
My heart felt too heavy — I was clinging on to thoughts of what “I thought I should have” or “how is that going to get solved?” — to let the words flow.
I saw time, ticking by. I saw life, nothing like I expected. And I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry or sing or pray.
The words seemed stuck.
Then I heard it. This little cry. A stirring.
It was Samuel.
The morning sun was dancing in his room, and in that dance it woke his sleepy body. As soon as his sweet baby blue eyes fluttered open he must have realized he didn’t want to stay in the maple colored crib. He wanted me.
As I gathered him in my arms I began to wonder about those early moments of self-reflection. I was only looking at the challenges — finances, auto-repairs, agendas, and regrets.
I wasn’t seeing the gifts. Blessings all around.
I forgot.
Samuel nestled into me and as I smelled the mix of baby and toddler I rested. No longer in what is hard, but in what is good.
The morning light found it’s way into the kitchen and with the light came more sweet ones coming down the stairs. I see their faces — with remnants of sleepiness — stumble into the room with Samuel and me.
Ah yes, that is what brings me joy.
I just needed to be reminded.
18 comments
I can see it so clearly. What a beautiful sight.
Boy, did this post speak to me! I get so bound up in worry and hurry sometimes.
Precious!
They are truly a breath of fresh air…not clouded by the world’s worries.
sweet post…
Oh, Rachel, you always make my heart smile with your entries. And, they always serve as great reminders of what really matters in this life. Thanks for always inspiring me. Hugs to you this day!
So precious! Great post(as usual).
Happy Thursday!
Such a beautiful post and reminder!
My life didn’t turn out even remotely like I expected, either. I’m supposed to be a famous author and/or having adventures travelling the globe, but instead I’m here . . . married to someone fabulous, but feeling stuck in my home town with a limited pocket book. And how I worry, worry, worry about that pocket book and this hometown when really, I should be so overjoyed and content. It’s something God and I are in constant dialogue about, nowadays. I live a blessed life–sometimes, I just need to remember that.
Thank you for always speaking truth so beautifully.
Your post reminded me of a quote from Elizabeth Browning . . . maybe you’ve heard it:
“Earth is crammed with heaven. Every bush is aflame with the fire of God, but only those who see take off their shoes.”
Blessings!
Cherie
Beautifully written Rachel! Thank you for sharing your heart.
Beautiful :). Life gets so busy and so stressful, and sometimes kids are part of that stress. But knowing you’re the first thing they want when they wake up in the morning, and loving them more than you possibly thought you could love- that always trumps everything 🙂
It’s amazing to me how with words and photos you capture this amazing beauty of simplicity, yet profoundness. How beautiful that it really was just you and Samuel… what a gift from God… than you for this post… It’s so important to slow down and recognize when He is allowing us to.
Tara
Lovely… beautiful words.
So sweet.
Beautiful! Your Samuel is a precious gift from the Lord, sent to you to continuously point you to those things that matter and the beauty that is all around you. We cannot help but let everything else fall away when we see His eyes that are on us through our little one’s smiles.
Love that morning light creeping into our world …. amazing how just a few words can change our day. Beautiful 🙂
Really nice post! I appreciate your transparency. I am so thankful that in those moments our Heavenly Father helps bring Godly perspective. He’s always present, in control with a desire to meet our needs.
Thank you for sharing…
Oh, just beautiful. I love those reminders to be fully where we are now. So thankful for all the blessings that surround us.