We had a busy week. We drove back and forth and back and forth some more. They were good sports about it, but it was wearing on us all.
We drove by the tree at least ten times while we were busy, driving back and forth. “Can we stop and play on the tree?” they asked. My initial response was “No, I’m sorry girls, there isn’t time today.” But then I thought better about it. “If we can get through this week, we’ll stop on Saturday.” They took that promise to heart and made big plans.
Saturday came and it was glorious. The weather—perfect. As we made our way to the tree ,we noticed that it was dressed in pink. It was for a wedding someone told us. The girls imagined it was for them, and of course we knew secretly it was.
The big tree did not disappoint. We climbed as high as we could on her 300 year old branches. We marveled. Joy bubbled up. Sometimes gravity got the best of us when a hand was not close by. It didn’t matter. We made plans to return with the rest of our girl tribe and daddy of course. We celebrated with cherry Icees for all.
Did I mention this busy week was also a hard week? I didn’t chase after my God-sized dream much at all. Busy has a way of shoving everything else out of its way. In fact, I had more than a few moments where I wondered how in this crazy world I was going to get through another moment. But, by grace I did.
It’s inescapable: we will go through hard times but we are made to dwell in joy. – Holley Gerth
Hard times look different for each of us. For this weary mom, it can be life rising up and overwhelming my heart. I feel the pressure to be amazing when in fact, most of the time I’m not. Can I tell you a secret? This moment with my girls and the tree all dressed in pink, I almost missed it. I nearly drove by it again with apologies to my cuties. I was stuck in the hard times of the week with little vision to find my way out.
But we were made to dwell in joy.
To climb trees.
Pretend we are fairies (or pirates).
Sing songs and sneak drinks of your baby girl’s cherry Icee when she isn’t looking.
And surprise, surprise, guess who our hearts find in the joy dwelling place?
Splendor and majesty are before him, strength and joy are his dwelling place. 1 Chronicles 16:27
As it turns out, the author of my God-sized dream, He climbs trees, too.
xo,
Stacey
{for more Joy +God-sized Dream girls, check out Holley’s link up today}
I needed to read this today, we have been sick for the past 2 weeks. Cold and flu, means snotty noses, puck and oh my that ever growing pile of laundry. I have to do what I need to do, just to makes my little goose comfortable and somewhat happy. But this morning, after a long night with very little sleep, our youngest spill all the milk in the jug on the living room rug, while happily bouncing off the wall. It was hard to remember that I should be happy that she feels better, that this is my ministry, that I was call to be their mother, more so when they need me so much!
Good to hear that I am not the only busy mom that is almost passing by these sweet moments with my cuties. Thanks for the reminder to really stop, slow down and enjoy the moment. No, I don’t really want to miss out. I’m happy you didn’t as well!
I love when you share these glimpses into the real life of Stacey … the moments when you think you can’t but choose to do it anyway. It’s those times when I know why God brought you into my heart and my life … because I need to know that I’m not the only one who thinks, “If we make it to Saturday, we can climb a tree!” And because I love your heart that sneaks sips of Cherry Icees and climbs trees and knows that our Father looks with delight on His daughters doing such things.
I love you, Stacey Thacker. And I am better because you are in my life.
{also, you should know I was crying while I typed that and wishing I could just pop in at your house to say those things face-to-face.}
It really is too long of a time for us to go without seeing each other! What can we do about that??
You are so sweet. Thank you friend.
Oh how your heart shared here resonated with me today. Those moments of joy that we can miss in the midst of busyness. Thank you for speaking to me today. Blessings.
I so get it. I do. It’s time to climb some trees, or maybe go to the beach? Either way. I get it. 🙂
The beach….I’m thinking next week!
loved this one so much. thinking of you weary mama, with the end in sight and God leaving pink ribbons along the way.
Thank you sweet friend! Edging closer to sanity as help is on the way!