Days Of Wonder #MindfulMotheringMondays

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

This past week, I left knitting and books at home. I left this blog unmanned, without so much as an archived post synced up and ready to post. I didn't even take my camera, but piled kids into a van and bikes on the back and drove 3 hours to the coast, fleeing everything to just wrap myself up in us. Because sometimes that's just what you need, cupping moments and taking everything down to the bare minimum.

Parenting doesn't always feel precious. Marriage doesn't always feel like the immense blessing it is. These relationships that we live and work inside each and every day can most certainly lose their luster in the daily march of monotony. Still, I'm keenly aware that these are the moments, these chaos filled days are the times we'll look back on as being the most glorious. The most life-filled. The most worthwhile times of our lives.

These days aren't the prettiest. The baby fell and cut her mouth, the 9 year old sick on vacation, missing an entire day of blueberry picking in the sun to rest and heal. The weather barely entered the 70s, hardly beach - worthy. There are squabbles between siblings and adults, and times when there are just no words. There are 6 children outfitted with 6 different personalities in 6 different stages of development. There are two parents convinced that each child was formed and intended by the Almighty from the very beginning of time, struggling to parent each in the individual ways they need to be parented. There are prayers for grace to cover over the holes because no matter how much we wish we could be perfect, we know our flawed humanity lurks behind each decision we make.

But that's where there is hope. And where there's hope, there is anticipation. Our freezing cold week on Lake Michigan's shore, flying kites and watching the sun set at the end of each day - it spurred something in me. Anticipation. Excitement. For as hard as these moments are, I can still see the wonder. Still feel the miracles. Fall is quickly on the way and I'm looking forward - and up. Towards the place from whence all good things come, I know that we are right at the brink of the next great thing. Every day filled with wonder if you know where to look.

{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now.

You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.

I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday?

I hope you'll meet with me! Here's what to do ~

Link up your post below in the comments. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.

Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!

Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!

Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}

Grab the graphic here:

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