Sunday Morning

I woke up about an hour and a half before everyone else did and that's often unusual.  My son is an early bird and will wake up before the rest of us.  However, this morning was different and the peace and quiet of the morning was enjoyable.

I made a pot of coffee and took a cup outside to my back porch.  I sat there and enjoyed the sounds of nature, with my cup of hot and delicious brew, and a conversation with Jesus.  There were the chattering of birds around me and a squirrel who amusingly found his way up a pole and into the neighbor's bird feeder.  Admittedly, the time I take to converse with my Lord isn't as often as it should be.  Lately, I've been having a hard time with a lot of things and this was an opportunity to give it all to Him.  I've been struggling with a lot of emotions and a lot of thoughts that have been affecting my day to day life.  It's been affecting my mood and how I've been handling so many things from my marriage, to my parenting, and to how I see life in general.  It all went to God.  The things I've faced in my past that seems to want to continuously creep up on me, the things currently going on, the unknowns of my future ... all went to my loving God.  He took it all and I could instantly feel the freedom of all those burdens I was bearing.  I felt a sense of peace and ready to start the day.  I thought it would be best to grab my Bible that has been sitting on my nightstand but I didn't want the risk of waking up my husband.  I was enjoying the moment too much.  It was at least an hour of talking to the One who had the power of changing me and comforting me.  That was so needed and something I'll have to try to put into every morning.  

My son woke up and we snuggled on the couch as he read his book.  Then my husband and daughter woke up.  My daughter asked if I could read with her.  Every day they are to read for the library's summer reading and so far they've been doing amazing with it.  Throughout everything, even the bickering between my kids, I was able to handle it so much better.

I even took this positive energy and used it on getting some major cleaning done.  I really hate to clean on this day of Sabbath but since every other day in the week is filled with so many events it's hard to focus on what needs done inside the house.  So much clutter.  So much dust and dirt always finds it's way all around, even moments after I've cleaned.  My goal for 2019 was to rid the house of as much as possible and that's been a slow process.  Our development held a yard sale over the weekend and my husband took charge of it and although we got rid of a lot there's still so much more laying around.  My son, heading into the preteen years, was eager to get rid of a ton of toys where my daughter, almost eight, was having a hard time saying goodbye to anything she owned.  I realized this is a process I can't rush with this sensitive and sentimental girl.  Her willingness to let go will come with time.  I'm just hoping that the less clutter will result in more peace of mind and less anxiety for me.

Today, is a good day!

"Cast all your cares on HIM because HE cares for you." -- 1 Peter 5:7

Life As A Baseball Mom

I knew when we found out we were having a boy that he would one day play baseball.  My husband played as a child and he coached his nephew's team.  It seemed that having our son try the game would be inevitable.  From t-ball to 12U I have sat through many games cheering him on and also feeling frustrated when something went wrong.  There have been several careless mistakes, or just bad calls from the umpire, but that has turned into a lot of growth and lessons learned.  He's so much better than he was before and I'm super proud of him for sticking it out and enjoying the game.  He has the heart for this sport.  Even when he's not on the field he's in the backyard swinging his bat.  I'm sure he's out there imagining he's in the big leagues ... hey, maybe someday. 

Last evening was his last game of the season and a big part of me is actually glad.  This was a long season and often frustrating.  Not because of anything he did.  In fact, I'd say this was his personal best season yet.  They lost every game and it was agony to watch.  I would often grow frustrated at the coach, and he's my husband, by the way.  I've heard comments from other parents sitting close to me.  The players were becoming frustrated with themselves or with others on the team.  It was a rough one but they got through it.  As the season went on they grew stronger and played better and hopefully they take these lessons and apply them next year.

Last night my son made 5 outs at second base, 3 of them being in one inning.  One player referred to him as the MVP of the game.  Every game, no matter how it's played, he's always my MVP.  He plays his best as catcher and second base.  Who knows what position he'll be when he plays for high school but I'm going to continue to look forward to watching him play.

So often I hear kids say they don't want to play the sport but their parents make them.  Parents, don't do that to your children.  Let them try new things but make sure it brings them happiness.  Baseball is a great sport that teaches sportsmanship, team work and has plenty of room to teach them how to grow and adapt.  I'm glad he enjoys it so much.  

This is one proud baseball mom.

See ya on the field next spring!