Today was pretty uneventful, which I am completely okay with. C got home and played with G while I took an uninterrupted shower. We then got ready and headed out to town. Our trips to town are rarely ever short. We live in the middle of no where and thus, we make our outings multipurpose. We began by visiting some friends who recently had a baby. Although the baby was still in the hospital, we were able to spend some much needed time with them. Their son was born premature and has been in the hospital since the 25th. (I did get word tonight that he was finally released to go home!!! Super exciting!!!) We caught up on her unexpected delivery and played a bit with their older son. He and my hubby always have a good time. It was so good to see them and get in some much needed quality time.
We then headed to lunch and C patiently waited with the baby while I got a much needed haircut. It made me feel "human" again. I have rarely taken time to do things for myself since she was born, not that I'm complaining, it just doesn't happen with an infant, and I could not believe how good it felt to get a simple hairstyle change. We then headed out and bought groceries. This was no small undertaking before baby, and it is no less of one now. Since college, I make a menu. While in college I planned 2 weeks at a time. Since being married, I've bumped it up to an entire month. Needless to say, our shopping cart is nothing short of overflowing. I'm certain the cashiers hate to see me coming.
Over the years I've been amazed at how much money doing my shopping this way can save. I am not a coupon clipper and unless I can download it to my Kroger card, I probably won't remember to use the coupons that I do manage to clip. I am not against couponing, I just don't ever seem to have the time. I'm a one stop shopper and I've shopped other places, including Walmart, and I'm just rarely ever as pleased with the selection and quality. Plus, I tend to save more using my discount card. Another perk is that I get money off of my gas afterwards.
I've had some interesting experiences while doing my monthly shopping trip...primarily comments that people make regarding my shopping cart. Comments typically stem from the amount of money I must be spending, to who really needs that much food, etc. People tend to eat their words when I inform them that what is in my cart supplies my family with 3 meals a day for an entire month. I only replace perishables. I work hard to make this work continually for my family and I am so blessed and so grateful to be able to do so.
We survived our shopping trip and came home to unload. G tends to become super fussy around 7p every night. I believe this is in part to the fact that she does not sleep much at all during the day. C and I took turns trying to console her. C finally decided to change environments. Our little girl seems to have our love for the outdoors. He took her outside to sit at the picnic table. I joined them shortly after. It was such a sweet time. There were dark rain clouds just rolling over the mountains and the wind made everything so perfectly cool. G was mesmerized by the rustling leaves, birds flying, and the occasional passing car. She was so content. We just sat in awe of our little wonder. Her beautiful blue eyes were trying so hard to take in everything. She would smile and coo and it was all we could do to not ruin the moment by holding her close and obscuring her view.
As I sat there watching her, I realized just how at peace I felt in that moment. I have not felt that in a while. The world was quiet, we were still, and the beauty of God's creation seemed to be made just for us in that moment. I can't remember the last time I was so at rest in mind, body, and spirit. I miss being that woman. The kind of woman whose heart and mind are at peace with change and her gentle spirit calms those around her. I feel like for the longest time I have been running a thousand miles an hour without taking a break to savor God's goodness. Outside of my daughter, there has been very little that I've taken the time to truly enjoy. I'm constantly planning and looking forward to the next thing. I anxiously await changes that may or may not happen which quickly takes away joy from the present.
I've been reflecting on a few verses from Proverbs 31. I used to be more like that woman. I used to be more gentle and at peace. I've let the world dictate my thoughts and this of course leads to worry and anxiety. As I try to regain control through prayer and the support of others, I know that God is doing a good work in me. He has not given up on me. He has remained faithful even when I have not. Thank goodness for His mercy and grace.
Proverbs 31: 11-12, 25-26
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life...She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
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