New Things

They say, "You learn something new everyday."  Well, this morning I've already learned several new things.  As a Mom, working outside the home, I often miss the girls' activities.  I've never been more aware of the sacrifices they make until now.  I took the day off from teaching to watch a tennis tournament.  With two girls on the tennis team at the high school, I've haven't attended a match in two years because they always play during the school day.  While I can give you details of individual needs and learning styles for 20 five and six year olds, I don't know some of the sweetest details of our girls' lives.  I learned few things about them this morning.

The day started listening to Kelly's piano practice before school.  I had no idea she was learning to play "Amazing Grace" and perfecting the right hand part.  I didn't know she was becoming fluent at the theme song to Disney's Pocahontas as I'm always gone when the girls roll out of bed.  This morning was a treasure to me and it also provided a pleasant tune for humming (my habit) throughout day.  Next, while watching a tough and hard fought tennis match, it struck me that I had no clue that Caroline was aggressive at the net or that she had a solid backhand swing.  (Quite envious as the backhand was her mother's downfall on the court.)  It's also news to me that she squats below the net as her partner serves, not wanting to be hit in the head.  I'm so thankful for a brief window into the normal routine of their lives that I've been missing.  Again, I'm especially conscious of how returning to the classroom, after over a decade of working at home, has impacted our family.  

Just this week..... I've never been more aware that every day of life is a gift; we are not promised tomorrow!  Today most certainly feels like a gift and one where I am thanking God for His amazing grace and His goodness in the life of our family.  He showers our lives (our weaknesses and our parenting) with grace.  He redeems, comforts,  strengthens and provides abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.  His steadfast love and faithfulness never ends.