Friday, May 13, 2016

Burdens are for the Birds

Today after school my son was recounting his day and he mentioned that he told his buddies about how, when we went to Disney a few months ago, we got pizza late at night and birds on the roof of our hotel magically spoke to us saying "Mine! Mine! Mine!" #Nemo

It was kind of a random inconsequential thing for him to remember, let alone share with his friends, but to him it was an important life event. What I remember about that day though was an early morning visit to Urgent Care following a sleepless night, 10 hours of travel, heavy suitcases, hungry kids, over priced food, walking in rain against 60 mpr winds, sleeping in a puddle of my child's vomit.  We both had experienced the same day but we held onto different things. I chose to hold on to burden.  He chose to hold onto magical birds.  

All I could think about was how much I wanted to be a kid again. Sometimes adulting is heavy and exhausting and full of hard places.  I want magic...not magic drummed up by commercialism, but the magic of hope and joy and rest that only Jesus can provide because I so desperately need Him in my life.  And, if I had to guess I would say you do, too.  

So, I'm going to take a note out of my son's book and share with all of my buddies (that includes you) all of the really awesome gifts we've been given in the past few months.  I'm going to stand on the figurative rooftop and praise the God that is mine, because life is good and I mean really good! (I'm not saying this just because I happen to be drinking wine right now.)

Since my last post, our TTTS survivor Baby B can now sit up unsupported!  She is even starting to stand for a few minutes at a time without her leg braces!  Best of all, she finally had her cochlear implant surgery and now she can....wait for it....HEAR!!! And she LOVES listening to all of the sounds in our world (maybe not at first, but she does now). Such beautiful gifts, thank You Jesus!!!




Baby A has learned to use both sides of her body to kick and splash in the bath (cutest. thing. ever.)! Baby A has been approved for eye surgery so she can SEE properly out of BOTH EYES!!! And she is WALKING in her reverse-walker!!! Such beautiful gifts, thank You Jesus!!!



My son is reading! And can play "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on the violin! My 2-year old daughter is counting to 20 (who knew five-teen was a real number?)! And can do the monkey bars and flips on the trapeze by herself. They are both are so so so determined. Such beautiful gifts, thank You Jesus!!!



Okay, now it's your turn. What magical things are happening in your life right now? Shout it from the rooftop! Forget the rest, it is over and done and yesterday - or whatever day it was - is gone so don't let it weigh you down.  Focus on what is awesome and carry that with you throughout today into tomorrow.

Matthew 18:3
And he said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven".

Psalm 86:12
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Inspirational Quotes
"It is the childlike mind that finds the kingdom." ~ Charles Fillmore 
"Just keep swimming." ~ Dory, Finding Nemo

My Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,Thank You for this incredible life, I gladly and humbly accept Your gifts and Your grace. Thank You for being there in all of the moments, the monumental and the simple, holding my hand and leading me ever so gently.  Your gifts have included hard days and easy ones, but Your goodness has been evident in all of them.  Please help me let go of the weight of the past and only carry Your love forward.
Thank You that my son remembers talking birds and nothing less pleasant from our adventure together.  Thank You for that special time with my son and daughter and the moments woven into each and every day with them, they are such treasures.  Watching Baby A walk is so wonderful and heartwarming and my gratitude for Your good works leaves me speechless at times. Father, thank You that Baby B can finally hear, it is such an amazing gift that I probably will always be in awe of, so praise You with all of my heart and soul.    I love You, I trust You and I will follow You wherever you lead. In Jesus' name, Amen.