Friday, March 15, 2019

Busy days with a two year old and a new song....

For some retired people (or others that just stay at home with no children), it is often hard to figure out how to fill up their time during the day.  Let me tell you, it is not a problem when you have children around!  This winter has really seemed long and dark here in Chicagoland.  All of us were getting a bit of "cabin fever" over the last few weeks.  So this week was a wonderful break with a couple of days of almost 60 degree weather!  And we even had a couple of hours when the sun was actually out!  Amazing!  

So Grace and I actually went outside on Tuesday.  It was not the warmest day this week - but it was close to 50 which felt warm!  

Grace picked out her hat and insisted on wearing it.  You can tell that it has been really cold here!  She also insisted on wearing mittens.  She was still able to find some really interesting sticks and made a "display" of them on the door mat.  We walked up and down the street several times and she ran around the yard.  The highlight of our time outside, was a police car driving by their house.  He actually stopped and waved at Grace and she was so excited.  They live on a street that has almost no traffic so seeing any car go by is quite the cause for celebration.  It was a much needed breathe of fresh air,  hour and a half for both of us.  

Thursday's weather was not wonderful.  As a matter of fact, it was awful! While it was in the high 50's, the wind brought a weather system blowing through that came with thunder, lightening and downpour rain.  Unfortunately, the worst of the storm hit during Grace's nap time.  And the noise woke her up.  So she had a much shorter nap than usual.  It was an indoor playtime for sure.  
We played with play-dough (always a favorite).  She was delighted to figure out that she had two sizes of rolling pins.  She spent a lot of time going from one to the other, trying out different thickness of dough.  
Doug and Susie got her an easel for her birthday (one side is magnetic and one side has a chalk board) and there is paper to color or paint on also.  Right now she loves the magnet side.  Gwen and Tim and the kids gave her the Leap Frog "Fridge Phonics" and she loves to play with all the letters. This grandma does NOT however appreciate the song that goes along with each letter.  I am really tired of it.  

After the worst of the rainstorm was over, we did go outside.  It was a very short trip, to say the least.  The wind had actually blown the patio screen door right off of the house!  So I needed to go out to retrieve it before it was ruined.  The wind was nearly blowing Grace away.  She could hardly stand up.  Even the dogs didn't want to be outside.  

It is on these kind of days that I realize just how hard this winter has been for me, spiritually.  I feel really shaken and dry.  But then I hear a new song on the radio that speaks directly to me.  It touches my heart and makes me feel like things are going to be okay.  The song is Prize Worth Fighting For by Jamie Kimmett.  I love the chorus...

When every day is just another struggle
And every choice is an act of war
Gotta pray, gotta press on
to the prize worth fighting for
When it feels like I'll never make it
When my heart's crying out for more
Gotta pray, gotta press on
To the prize worth fighting for.  

The entire song made me stop and realize that no matter what 2019 has been like for me, it is so true.  The love of Jesus is my reward.  And because of His promises, I can stay strong and keep fighting on.  And I will win the race because of the unfailing grace of Jesus.    Praying this song blesses many of you who might be in the place of struggle as me.  I am so thankful for new Christian artists who faithfully create new music to bless us all.  

Jesus, thank you for music that speaks to us on so many levels. Holy Spirit, keep our ears open to hear you through the music around us.  Thank you Jesus, for inspiring musicians to create new songs that convey your heart to the world.  Thank you for the joy and wonder of two year olds as they explore their world.  Holy Spirit, keep our hearts open to experience that same joy and wonder of your creation.  Amen


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