Few things went as planned. I had to be up extra early. Mataya woke soaking wet, cold, grumpy, AND an hour and a half before expected. She was so very, very tired. We had an 8 am appointment. I'm not used to leaving the house before 9:30. A lady stopped by the office who did not seem to be a fan of our child friendly workplace. Mataya screamed during ALL of the 25 minute drive home. I had a forever long call which was supposed to be during naptime, but Mataya woke early.
And I could go on.
HOWEVER, when you watch for them - there are ALWAYS, ALWAYS,ALWAYS moments of wonder in the midst of the mud.
Here are a few I chose to hold onto today:
It was a BIG day for my Sierra-girl. She has had braces since third grade - but TODAY they came off!!!!! RahRah is gorgeous from the inside out. She knows how to make the grumpiest person just a bit happier. She oozes kindness and sweetness. Even while waiting for the orthodontist, she used her time to love on her baby sister (and give her mom a break.) Her now perfect smile only enhances that beautiful heart.
Sometimes endings are worth celebrating!!!
My boss made me a cup of coffee when I got to work. Usually making coffee is the girl's job in an office setting. I have never had a boss who chose to make me coffee before. After a long, grueling morning, it was so very much appreciated.
I also stand in awe and wonder at the ingenuity God whispers into our hearts. When Mataya woke up in the midst of an important phone call today, I was sure disaster was near. She always wakes very needy. As I walked toward her room I gave a quick prayer for God to help me find a way to care for both my job and my baby until the call was completed. As I walked back into the kitchen I had a desperate momma thought. When all else fails, try water play. So I sat her on the counter, tapped on the faucet, and she was magically entertained for the duration of the call.
True, she was soaked, clothes and all.
But she was smiling and calm.
So was I.
A soaked outfit was a small price to pay for a successful call AND a happy TayTay.
Sierra and Mataya did homework side by side this afternoon.
I adore moments when my children are gathered in the kitchen.
Mataya's "cheese" smile always causes my heart to sigh.
And there are few things better than my beautiful girls beaming at me.
It's funny. There were moments today in which I wondered if the day would ever end. It WAS a hard day. Yet, looking back, I feel only joy and gratitude. Holding onto the little moments where I clearly saw God's grace shining on me makes all the difference.
It makes me think of the truth of this song. Grace truly does win every time.
(And don't forget that grace is for you, too!)
Thank you, Jesus. Your grace is enough to fill me with wonder today and always.
"Grace Wins"
In my weakest moment I see you
Shaking your head in disgrace
I can read the disapointment
Written all over your face
Here comes those whispers in my ear
Saying who do you think you are
Looks like you're on your own from here
Cause grace could never reach that far
But, in the shadow of that shame
Beat down by all the blame
I hear you call my name sayin it's not over
And my heart starts to beat
So loud now, drowning out the doubt
I'm down but I'm not out
There's a war between guilt and grace
And they're fighting for a sacred space
But I'm living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death's defeat
Now I'm rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time
Words can't describe the way it feels
When mercy floods a thirsty soul
A broken side begins to heal
And grace returns what guilt has stole
And, in the shadow of that shame
Beat down by all the blame
I hear you call my name sayin it's not over
And my heart starts to beat
So loud now, drowning out the doubt
I'm down but I'm not out
There's a war between guilt and grace
And they're fighting for a sacred space
But I'm living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death's defeat
Now I'm rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time
For the prodigal son, grace wins
For the woman at the well, grace wins
For the blind man and the beggar, grace wins
For always and forever, grace wins
For the lost out on the street, grace wins
For the worst part of you and me, grace wins
For the theif on the cross, grace wins
For a world that it lost
There's a war between guilt and grace
And they're fighting for a sacred space
But I'm living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death's defeat
Now I'm rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time
Every time
I'm living proof grace wins every time
Shaking your head in disgrace
I can read the disapointment
Written all over your face
Here comes those whispers in my ear
Saying who do you think you are
Looks like you're on your own from here
Cause grace could never reach that far
But, in the shadow of that shame
Beat down by all the blame
I hear you call my name sayin it's not over
And my heart starts to beat
So loud now, drowning out the doubt
I'm down but I'm not out
There's a war between guilt and grace
And they're fighting for a sacred space
But I'm living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death's defeat
Now I'm rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time
Words can't describe the way it feels
When mercy floods a thirsty soul
A broken side begins to heal
And grace returns what guilt has stole
And, in the shadow of that shame
Beat down by all the blame
I hear you call my name sayin it's not over
And my heart starts to beat
So loud now, drowning out the doubt
I'm down but I'm not out
There's a war between guilt and grace
And they're fighting for a sacred space
But I'm living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death's defeat
Now I'm rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time
For the prodigal son, grace wins
For the woman at the well, grace wins
For the blind man and the beggar, grace wins
For always and forever, grace wins
For the lost out on the street, grace wins
For the worst part of you and me, grace wins
For the theif on the cross, grace wins
For a world that it lost
There's a war between guilt and grace
And they're fighting for a sacred space
But I'm living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death's defeat
Now I'm rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time
Every time
I'm living proof grace wins every time
