Friday Fave-- Feeling Caught Up

Today I sat back and sighed.

I can't remember exactly the last day I did that. I believe it has not happened since we were still in summer vacation-- August 2010 possibly?

But today I feel caught up. There is not a pile of "to do" items sitting in each room of my house silently beckoning me. I consiously made the choice to read for pleasure last night and watch TWO kids movies with my sweeties tonight. Usually that time is spent "catching up".

I even found time to cut up some veggies. I know that sounds silly, but so frequently even that gets pushed to the back burner... until the veggies are a couple weeks old and only fit for guinea pig food. (Zeke has been eating well these last months.)

My dear friend Amy took my son for a playdate w/ her sweet daughter today and it gave me time to work out, shower and prep a healthy lunch for myself. Then this afternoon my son went to preschool (while my daughters were at school) and I had a whole two hours to close the doors on our 2010 budget and open up a plan for 2011.

I had time to delve into God's word. And read a commentary about it. Then to read about a courageous friend who is struggling with cancer but is sharing how it's deepening her faith. It's beautiful.

Time spent with family and friends. Serving at church. Also a part of my day.

I wish I felt like this every day.

But we know that we live in a fallen world. Hard times will come. Things/people/health/relationships do not remain the same. As a parent, I've learned that just when you think you've got things figured out, it all changes. But as a christian, I know that God is with me and He has everything under control. I don't have things under control, and I shouldn't try. I should trust and give it up to Him.

As Master Uguay says in Kung Fu Panda (one of the movies I shared with my kids tonight for movie night), "Today is a gift-- that's why they call it the present."

It is a gift. And I pray I can face each day with the peace and joy of this day-- even if days are harder. Which is highly likely, isn't it?

(On a crafty note, I was the lucky winner at Such Sweet Tierney of these sweet little gems! Aren't they great? I've blogged about them before here. Thanks, London! Can't wait to play.)