Given

I believe we are sometimes given just what we need, when we need it.  Yesterday, I had a number of things on my plate.  With being back at work in a resource position, there are meetings and decisions being made.  Prior to a meeting yesterday, the team meeting prayed and asked for wisdom and discernment and I feel that God granted that to us as the team was all on the same page when we could have been on completely different chapters. That is not to say that every prayer leads to such easy decisions but it sometimes reaffirms the work that we do at just the right time, especially when we are joining with families and ensuring that student needs are met.

My plate was full of to do's which I am sure most of you can relate to.  And at many points in my day, I felt that I was on task and getting things accomplished, even though I was not getting my work completed and getting things checked off my to do list. I was able to connect with people and was encouraged through connections with those I work with - what a blessing.

When I got into the vehicle with my children at the end of the school day, I was blessed by the conversation we had on the way home. I asked Kirra a direct question about chapel and then had Jaret expand on the answer with more detail.  It opened up some good conversation that I know stuck with my children because later on in the evening, Jaret referred to the character trait from chapel when he was talking with Kirra.  Moments like this don't happen every day or perhaps it is that we don't stop to take the time to facilitate them happening more often?  Regardless, it was a joy filled moment for me.

With being back at work, I feel like it is easy to get caught up in 'my' to do list.  After getting snack for the kids after school, Jaret had homework and Kirra was demanding attention.  Rather than focusing on what I needed to get done, I was reminded of my words to a colleague earlier that day about spending some quality time with his family. He reminded me I should do the same.  These words resonated with me as I sat to help Jaret on his homework. And I sat and listened to Kirra retell the story of "The Three Little Pigs," as she used her handmade puppets that came home from school that very day.  It would have been easy to dismiss their needs and focus on my own, but my heart was telling me that time with them was much more important.

A short time later, I opened up a couple of devotions.  One of them was a reminder about caring for ourselves and pursuing our passions.  The devotion went on to use the example of how the author learned this lesson through her children.  When we see our children living out their passions they are cheerful and their happiness is contagious.  These passions comprise who they are, created by God, and it is our job as moms to help them grow in these passions and to help nurture them.  However, the reminder came that we also need to nurture ourselves to be the women God longs for us to be.  In caring for ourselves, we are setting an example to our children and we are at our best to be able to take care of the needs of others.  It is true, when I am pursuing my giftings, I feel that I am doing what I am called to do and that I am being used effectively.  And I can be the woman He has planned for me to be in all the roles He has placed before me.

Today’s key verse in Psalms 139:13-14a is a reminder of how God formed us: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

The second devotion that came right to my mailbox was so very timely as well and is one I have touched on before. It was a message of being fully present where you are. After supper, I could have sent the kids up to get ready for bed on their own and do bedtime routines on their own, but I couldn't. I am reminded regularly how short this time with my children is. I am reminded that other things on my to do list can wait. I am reminded to cherish this time with my children and to make the best of it. I was reminded tonight to be fully present, right where I needed to be. I played a game of UNO with Jaret and read with him. With both of my children we talked through lowlights and highlights of the day. We spent time in prayer. I gave Jaret lots of kisses as he asked, "Do you have lipstick on?" which meant even more kisses from me.  And I gave Kirra lots of cuddles as we just whispered "I love you's" to one another. Being fully present right where you are is one of the best gifts and one I was most grateful for to end my day yesterday.

I challenge you to take an inventory.  Where are your priorities?  Are you taking time for your passions?  Time for yourself?  Time in the Word and prayer?  Are you fully present where you are?

Enjoy the journey and make it count!  Being fully present is a guarantee for a bright future.

I would love to hear how you balance life - we learn and grow through each other.