On days like these {A beautiful exchange}

You were up half the night with a sick little girl and wake to her cries now. Breakfast needs making...again. The dishwasher needs emptying...again. Dare I say it but last nights dinner pots need washing. Breakfast gets made, slapped together haphazardly; only to have him turn his nose up at it. My coffee goes cold as I realise Josh's* shirt needs ironing. Another job I relegated to late at night once kids were in bed which got forgotten amidst the long list of other jobs. My patience wanes as jam is rubbed into the carpet and greasy peanut butter fingers smear the window to wave bye to Dad.

The day goes on, tantrums are dealt with, sleep battled with. The balancing act of doing housework and playing with the kids. I begin to question myself. Am I providing Harper* with enough 'educational' activities? Is Rory* meeting her milestones? I should attempt solids again with her, what is one more week in the scheme of things? Do you think it's ok to serve eggs on toast for dinner again tonight?

I fall into bed, knowing I'll do it all again tomorrow.

Did I actually get anything achieved today??

But as I lay there and reflect on my day, I know there's more.

More to life than this.

If there wasn't, what would be the point?

You might remember that recently I made a decision to read my bible...really read it. It is on days like these that I feel that quiet whisper, calling me to Himself.
On days like these when I have so many demands placed on my time. Why would I possibly want to add another 'have to' to the list? Surprisingly the more I do it, the more I want to do it. 

So I make myself a cup of tea and open the Word. Sometimes it's only a minute but I know His words are life and they are changing me, one little minute at a time.

Its such a phenomenon. A miracle really. Its supernatural. I can't explain it. Something happens when I open that book; when I immerse myself in His life giving words. The world shifts, changes. What was once an effort becomes effortless. And suddenly, days like these become acts of worship to the one who made me.

Cheeks smeared with jam fill me with joy as I can't help but admire how gorgeous my son is. Anger in the heat of the moment makes me ever so thankful for His grace. The tantrums no longer determine the mood of our home.

Peace invades my soul and I'm ready to get back out there.

Ready to read "The Cranky Bear" for the 9th time that day (not even kidding!) and I even find the energy & enthusiasm to do the voices that I know bring Harper so much joy. 

Spending time with God changes me.

A beautiful exchange takes place.

Less of me & more of Him.

My weakness for His strength.

Thank you Jesus for days like these. For showing me beauty in the mundane.

Sometimes this is the only way it happens.

**Side note, from now on my kids will be referred to by their proper names. Harper & Aurora (or Rory) & my husband as Josh & bestie as Anna. Phew, I'm sick of using their nicknames and anyone with half a brain could have figured it out anyway which defeats the point of actually having a pseudo name!