"We did it!" I cheered.
Then, I looked down and started laughing. I had one finger nail painted. Not a nice subtle color like beige or nude. Red. A deep red wine color. My hair was wet, I don't even know what, if any, makeup I had on, and because I'm lacking for clothes that fit right now {read this post as to why} I had thrown on the clothes I'd been wearing that afternoon, so I'm pretty sure I smelled like the chicken cacciatore I'd made for dinner.
When I told Bradley why I was laughing, he asked, "Are you thriving?"
I'm not sure if that description would fall under the thriving category or not, but I felt pretty good in the moment, so I said yes, because my attitude was okay.
He then went on to say, "You chose an interesting topic for your blog series. You're going to be honest, right?"
One statement and one question that reveal much of what he knows to be true about me:
No one who knows me well would say that I am thriving right now.
So, why did I choose to write about this topic? Because I want to thrive.
I want the dirty floors to become a non-issue. I want to respond to disobedient children in gentleness and grace. I want to embrace the fact that my son has Down Syndrome instead of grieving it everyday. I want to look around me and see beauty instead of chaos.
I'm learning that thriving isn't necessarily what I thought it was.
So, if you're okay with it, I'm going to be honest during these days and write about what I'm learning. I won't pretend to have it all together.
I'm not a professional thriver.
For a list of all posts in this series, click here.
Hi! I read your blog sometimes and I'm so appreciative of this series. I, like you want to thrive in this beautiful life God has given me. I want to thrive moment to moment and day to day. I want to thrive in the good and bad because I know The Lord wants me to as well. I also know the source of my thriving....Jesus. In just the past few months I've lost a baby and just last week found out God has given us another! This is my 7th pregnancy and if The Lord wills it will be our 5th child to raise. I've gone from barely feeling like I can breath to feeling completely overwhelmed with joy! From the words I've read from you on your blog you have a beautiful heart for The Lord ! Let me assure you, although I don't personally know you, you are a Beautiful mother and wife. Your precious children are blessed to call you mother and you are their perfect mother. No one else was chosen for your babies, God himself chose you! Rejoice momma you are blessed and thriving even when circumstances and feelings seem otherwise.
ReplyDeleteYour sister in Christ
Autumn autumnmcox@yahoo.com
Oh, Lauren, I love your heart! I am beginning to think the key to thriving is all God's grace and TIME. In the meantime, I read your post and saw such beautiful elements in it: laughter, honesty, and chicken cacciatore! (and that one red nail)
ReplyDeleteYour authenticity is delightful. Thriving is in Christ. What fun to hear your laughter in this post as you share the hustle and bustle of daily living. The desire of your heart "to see beauty instead of chaos" leads one to a grateful heart to our gracious God . Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is so great, Lauren!! You make me laugh :). Can't wait to see you tomorrow!
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