L.O.V.E.

 

There was an afternoon a couple of weeks ago where it seemed like everything was going wrong. Attitudes were cruddy and stress levels were rising. I sent the little ones off to their rooms to play. When Jonathan came back in a little bit later I was totally prepared to come unglued about the fact that I had told him to play in his room and had not told him he could come out yet...what? I can't be the only mom who this happens to;) Anyways, something told me to pause and see what he wanted. He proceeded to layout legos that he had made into letters. After he laid them out he said, "L O V E that spells love. I made this just for you mom because I thought you needed a little love today." And then he turned to go off and happily play. I of course had to keep from crying and chased him down for some hugs. He gives the best hugs! I feel like a momma sloth with how he wraps his whole body around me.
I am grateful for the tender mercies that I see in my life if I am willing to pause and acknowledge them. This simple act was enough to lift my spirits and lighten the mood. It didn't take away the sources of frustration that afternoon, but it changed my perspective on why I do what I do and reminded me that I can do hard things. Valentine's is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite times of the year.