The Good Stuff

Yesterday I stayed home with my 5-year-old. He had been up throwing up and I didn't want to send him to Vacation Bible School. I did a little work from home but mostly my little guy just wanted me to sit next to him as he laid on the couch. He was so tired and restless. I spent about 5 hours getting him water, reading him books, holding him, talking about things, we played a little cards and watched the workers across the street work on our neighbor's roof. My work-driven self felt fairly unproductive, but my mama heart was full. I have to admit I probably babied him much more than was needed – but I didn't care. We needed that time together. He fell asleep and while he took his nap, my older son came home from his friends house and watched a movie. I got on the computer and did a little bit more work.

Last night we went to the baseball field and caught up with the parents who showed up with their kiddos for Friday night at the field. I put on my "coaches wife" hat and enjoyed talking with different parents and grandparents and catching up. I laughed hysterically as my little guy got up to bat and ran – obviously feeling much better. After practice my older son and his 2 friends snuck up behind me and begged me to let them spend the night. I gave in – knowing chaos was ahead of me :-) My husband and I took them to McDonald's and I had to smile as I watch these 9-year-old "cool dudes", play hide and go seek in the McDonald's play area as if it was the best thing they'd ever done in their life.

As they went to sleep – I took away all of their electronics and I listen to them laugh hysterically. Despite the fact that sleeping bags were provided all 3 of them wound up in my son's bed. I snuck in to see that my son wound up half on the floor and half on the bed. His feet were still wrapped up in the sheet that covered the other 2 boys while his head was on the floor.

All the boys looked peaceful in the midst of all the chaos of the room. Total sweetness.

 I woke up this morning and made them blueberry muffins and eggs. They played video games and decided they wanted to make box forts. I called 2 of my neighbors who walked over with extra boxes that they happen to have and the kids went to work. It was so much fun watching them play. The best part was that they made something for my little guy – a little car and a little fort.

After that they decided to go to the playground for a little bit. On the way to the playground they heard the ice cream truck. They ran back and I gave them each some money. My little guy wanted to be a part of the craziness so I joined him in following the ice cream truck all over the neighborhood. I got in a good little workout! These kiddos literally ran from block to block chasing the ice cream truck and it was just the best.

I had to go to Panera to catch up on a little bit of work from being away on vacation and because my body was tired and I was feeling a little bit stressed about work – I almost missed the opportunity to reflect on how much fun and sweetness the past 24 hours have been. Not perfect. I got grumpy several times. My introvert self was not thrilled with all the chaos. I wasn't in the mood to drive to get diesel for the tractor so that my husband could get the field ready for practice. At first I didn't feel like talking to people. Going to McDonald's at 8:30 at night was not my number one choice. And yet – I'm looking back now and thinking about my life and I can't help but just feel overjoyed and blessed.

I'm a word person so I have to put into words sometimes things that occur around me in order for me to hold them tightly into my heart. In order for me to press into the beauty and the blessing of the ordinary. But there is nothing ordinary about my life.

Jesus breathes his beauty and grace and holiness into every crack and crevice.
This is the Good Stuff.