Tender Mercy

My older boys spent several hours working hard today.  As in manual labor, really pushing themselves physically, good old-fashioned hard work.  While they were gone, I decided to take Marissa and Caleb to the park to play and have a picnic for lunch.  I left a note for the boys to join us at the park when they finished.  It was one of those amazing moments where the stars align or some other cosmic force is in play. We had THE ENTIRE PARK to ourselves. I was able to read/listen to a book and take notes in my journal while still spending time with my little ones. They were ADORABLE! They were playing so cute together and making up games and stories. No tattle-telling, no crying, no needy, clingy, whiney kids. Just two siblings who are currently best friends making memories.

I've been a parent long enough to realize these types of moments come and go.  Dylan and Preston used to be best buddies, but are currently in a friendship funk. Sibling rivalry is in full force. They need space. They compete with one another much more than they cooperate and help each other and the incessant teasing is making me crazy (although the teasing part is pretty one-sided).  I've learned to take it in stride and not assign more meaning to their ups and downs than is necessary. Stages of life don't last forever and they allow for growth and development. But...I love when the needs of certain children match up with one another and siblings get along more than usual. For now, I feel extremely grateful that Marissa and Caleb's age, gender and personality mesh really well. They have constant adventures, love spending time together and make more messes than I can even begin to describe (something I've come to refer to as creativity and imagination).
BLESSING!  It is a true blessing and I am trying to soak in the moments and enjoy these two little ones tremendously while it lasts. The time at the park was not a complete surprise to me, but I still found myself smiling as I caught a glimpse of them creating rules and regulations for their "tree house" and hauling cup after cup of water from the drinking fountain to create the perfect consistency for building a sandcastle.

DELIGHTFUL! That's the best word I can use to describe it.  It was delightful to watch them. And to still be able to find time to read, ponder and reflect while spending time with my kiddos was absolute PERFECTION.  I found myself expressing gratitude.  And feeling joy.  Real JOY.

Dylan and Preston pulled into the park on their bikes and I couldn't help but smile.  They were clearly tired, but obviously had a good day working hard, something I feel both boys really need at this stage in their development.  They were excited to tell me about their day and then informed me that Wendy's has $0.50 frosties this summer.  They  asked if they could ride over and get one with their own money.  I said yes.  My mind was carried back to memories of my own childhood, walking to Holiday Oil with my younger sister to buy a treat during summer break. It was a big deal to earn trust from your parents and become more independent. We were excited but cautious. We obeyed traffic laws and didn't talk to strangers. We took our privileges seriously and gained more and more independence over time. My boys are doing the same. I smiled at this flashback in time and felt more joy and gratitude.

After a multi-hour park adventure, I decided it was time to head home. Marissa and Caleb asked if they could have a frosty too and I decided it was a perfect day for a treat on the way home from the park. I was also secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of the boys and make sure they were doing okay without looking like a was checking up on them.

I pulled into the Wendy's parking lot and THIS 👇 is what I saw.

My mama heart 💓 skipped a beat and I had to pause to catch my breath. MY BOYS! Look at my sweet, little (Um...I mean, not-so-little) boys! All dirty and grimy and sweaty from a day of hard work. Just LOOK at them!

The old school MasterCard commercial started playing in my head.

Two small chocolate frosties from Wendy's: 

$1

Bike and scooter for summertime adventure: 

$200

Brothers making memories that last a lifetime: 

Priceless

Cheeseball I know. But seriously! This picture was EXACTLY what I needed. I soon realized that what I originally thought was a priceless moment that I was fortunate enough to capture on my phone, was actually a tender mercy in disguise.  

It's been a rough week.  Busy.  Stressful.  And extremely emotional.  This picture reminded me that things are still okay.  Life is good.  There are blessings that surround me when I am able to slow down and be present.  When I don't push away joy for fear that darkness may lie just around the corner.  

Dylan and Preston are learning the value of hard work. They are gaining independence. They are working together AND playing together. They may argue and fight, but they also love and support one another.  

Marissa and Caleb are the sprinkles and glitter. They make life exciting and magical! They continue to amaze me with their creativity, and can turn anything into a game...or an EPIC ADVENTURE. Their giggles are contagious and their hugs can turn a hard, frozen heart into a GREAT BIG PUDDLE!  

 Fashion show

The BEST BREAKFAST EVER (just ask Caleb)!!

Their very own super hero changing space (on the front lawn) 

Constant adventure and excitement

I needed to know I was loved today.  I needed a reminder that joy can be found even during difficult times.  I needed a message.  And I received one.  It came in the form of a candid picture of two boys lounging on a dirty sidewalk outside of Wendy's with frosties, a scooter and a bike.  

A message of love.  

Of support.  

Of family.

A reminder to slow down.  

To breathe.  

To be present.

To walk barefoot through the grass.  

And feel the wind on my face. 

A reminder of simplicity.  

And joy. 

A reminder that I am still alive.