Awake

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 Have you heard that song by Mumford and Sons, "Ghosts That We Knew"? It played on Pandora this morning while I was clearing the breakfast dishes. 

 "Give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light." 

 That line made me think. We've had a challenging last couple of weeks. And, being that 50 % of the time I tend to be a 'glass half empty' type of gal, I can focus more on what's wrong than what's right. Now don't judge, I'm just being honest. Anyway, with all the holiday festivities, we've been short on sleep, and desperate for some routine. It shows, too. On New Year's, on our way in the door to Church, I made a curt reply to my hubby who dropped the baby's hat in the mud. Poor guy. He was just being helpful, too. The lady behind us noticed and offered her help, saying our hands looked full. Humbling. Typically we like people to see the best version of ourselves, not the weaknesses. Since we sat behind the lady during Mass I kept thinking about how I need to be a gentler, kinder, better momma and wife. I should be acting like the person  I am created to be all the time, no matter where I am. "Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song." (Psalm 57:8) 

***

That's what I thought of when I heard those Mumford and Sons lyrics playing this morning. Sometimes we have to strain our eyes  to see the light in the darkness. It takes effort. It requires grace.
While I tapped my foot to the beat, I felt like a part of the fog that has settled in my head was beginning to clear.   I have to make room for Christ, so His peace can reign within these walls. No matter what storm is raging. No matter how many times I hear, "Give that back" or "She just hit me!" No matter how many naps are interrupted, or time outs I have to give. No matter how many dishes are piled up in the kitchen sink. No matter what difficulties we face this coming year, "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other...And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called." Colossians 3:12-15

P.S. I haven't forgotten the d.i.y. gift I mentioned in the last post. It's in the works!
And just so you know, this picture from last summer's exploring makes me desperate for a peaceful walk on the beach!