Splash in the Rain Puddles

And they are off...with not a hesitation in the world...ready for 5th and 3rd grade and leaving mom feeling weepy.  At some point, the start of school has gone from a rescue from the constant care of meeting each child's every need...to an achiness in my heart that they are going to be away from me for so many hours of the day.  Obviously I'm all for learning and education and of course I love that my kids love going to school, but the older they get the more I just truly love hanging with them....doing chores with them...playing with them...being. with. them.  They really are three of the coolest kids ever....said mom, with no bias at all.  :)  sure they fight, they argue, they give me occasional attitude.  but they are my imperfect works-in-progress and I am theirs.  All to say....I miss them already. But I still have this guy for another week, until half days of Pre-K start next week. And now more than ever, I am certain that there is no way I will allow

Luke:  "Do you know why I smile at you all the time mama? " Me:  "Why?" Luke:  "Because I just love you so much all the time." Be still my heart.   How grateful I am for your never ending smiles... Happy Wednesday!

Gratefulness and attitude.  Together they make gratitude.  And it's something that makes all the difference in the world...especially in the heart of a believer.  It takes the focus off of ourselves and turns it back to the one who has given us everything.  A grateful heart will naturally allow us to reflect joy no matter what the circumstance.  I drive this point home to my kids every. single. day.  And then there are days like these when the point....the point of one of my very best soapboxes...is driven home to me.  Making me realize that my attitude might need to change about some things.  That perhaps I'm forgetting that his will may not always be what I feel like doing.  His will may not always seem like an ideal situation at the time.  But as I was reminded this  morning in my devotions.... ""not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42).  Gratitude helps us acknowledge that God's will is best, even if it's hard; in that way, we are able to