It seems like just yesterday that I didn't know who Caleb was ?? It seems like yesterday that Jeb could fit into a bag that I got for my birthday. I am hoping to keep cherishing every minute of all these lasts that I have with them. God has really dealt with me on not worrying about the mess left behind by visitors, the destruction wrought by little hands, and the very unnecessary expectation for things to be perfect to host. I have learned that folks still feel welcome if you enjoy yourself and not stress about everything being just right. I didn't register for fine china and sometimes I am still cleaning a toilet when my guests arrive (because I decided to play outside instead that day). I am so glad I don't have fine china, b/c I don't think I would have used it. That would require caring for it and getting it out. I think for me God would rather me have a hospitable heart with folks coming and going often than a dinner party fit for a king every once in a while. Even though some days I want to sleep, read a good book, go to the mall (only do that every other year or so), clean and have things "just so" around here... it seems like it is more rewarding to have a house full of kids to love (some that aren't biologically mine and some that are cousins), play games and take time to enjoy and laugh with the boys. We have been back "hiking" and "hunting" with our stick guns to Spy Rock and "the vast beyond." The boys love the adventure and we find treasures out there every time we go. This year I am letting Jeb climb in Daddy's deer stand and watching him scale that thing made me so sad in some ways b/c I know that my days of fake hunting are numbered. He'll be gone with Daddy before I know it on a real hunt.
I try to live in the reality that it is so much better to invest in people and relationships because these things matter for eternity and are truly what is important for living an "abundant life" and truly feeling content. Right now I am waiting on Caleb to be sick of playing like we are married. One day he'll just want to shoot hoops and run around the farm working with Daddy. So for now I am going to be married to Travis (from Old Yeller) and take a nap with our son Bobby Joe in the tree house loft, the dusting can wait.
"Dust if you Must"
Dust if you must.
But wouldn't it be better
to paint a picture, or write a letter,
bake a cake, or plant a seed.
Ponder the difference between want and need.
Dust if you must.
But there is not much time,
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
Music to hear, and books to read,
friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must.
But the world's out there
with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come round again.
Dust if you must.
But bear in mind,
old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go, and go you must,
you, yourself, will make more dust.
Remember, a house becomes a home when you can
write "I love you" on the furniture.
Psalm 90:12
P.S. that pitiful sunflower is one of the only ones we had that year thanks to our horses. Okay, so I am blond and planted them too close to the fence.
