There are sweet moments in my childhood that I am grateful for and never want to forget. Those memories are a simplistic view of what God offered me during those formative years.
I smile thinking about the birds whistling in the spring-time as dawn broke, the sounds of the tractors in the fields cutting hay during the hot summer months, the rustling of the leaves in the fall as I ran through the woods, and the smell of grandma’s soup after an afternoon of sledding down the hills packed full of snow.
Even at a young age, I tried to find the good things in life through the surroundings of home.
I am thankful that home-life is very different for my kids than it was for me. Still, my view of what home should be hasn’t changed all that much.
I love when my little guy brings me wild flowers he found in the field, or watching him teach his sister how to make a giant mud hole. Those simple memories last a lifetime and can never be replaced.
Giving my children an opportunity to experience creative play and have fun things to do with each other brings me such joy as their mother. Allowing those relationships to blossom will create sweet memories of home.
I have been a mama long enough to know that if I want to stay motivated, I have to feed my spirit in the right areas. One thing I desire is getting out of bed early enough to spend a few minutes watching the sunrise.
When dawn breaks in early spring, the song birds are so insistent on the start of their day. They just chatter away and I have to chuckle a bit just listening to how loud they are. As the sun peeks over the first hilltop, the morning glow hits the dew and it sparkles like diamonds. The barnyard animals come to greet each other like long lost friends. Tiny blooms bursting with fragrance and nature coming to life have the most profound effect on my spirit.
I find my God here, in the beauty of the morning, at home where I belong. Sometimes, it is just a cup of coffee and my Bible. Sometimes, it’s my loyal Labrador sitting at my feet as I read. God uses the simple moments around my home to encourage me.
Being present, I am able to set aside the quality time I need with my Savior before I hear the pitter-patter of tiny little feet headed my way. For me, it’s important to start the day off rejuvenated and with purpose.
For His mercies are new every morning.
My heart is here.
My view of home is this:
Don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter.
Relationships exist. Cultivate them.
Simple beauty is all around you. Don’t clutter it.
Love is given. Give it back tenfold.
Sow your seeds. Water it often. Fertilize as needed. Stake it up to weather the storms. And enjoy the fruit of your labor.
For if the Lord helps you build it, then it will not be in vain.
Natalie