Sweet Reminders

Today I came home from work (early thanks to inservice day) and found my house cluttered. This is nothing new. In fact, it's how I find my house most days. Toys and books all over the floor, beds unmade, clothes not put away, etc. And once again I find myself getting a little frustrated as I go around putting everything back in it's place. But today, as I was about to start rattling off in my head this list of things that drive me crazy, God gave me a gentle reminder....

My husband is not perfect! But then again, God didn't promise me a perfect mate, he promised me a mate perfect for me. One that may not make the bed every day, but gets up with our daughter every morning. One that might forget to stop by Sam's, but never forgets to say I love you. God provided a man who is patient when I'm ridiculous, who will take Lyla to dance class and not complain about being the only dad in the room. He will do everything he can to provide, to be a spiritual leader, and to love his girls unconditionally. I softly heard God whispering, "I answered the desires of your heart, not the demands of your cleanliness." And aren't I thankful for that! Yes, it drives me crazy when dishes are in the sink and dirty clothes don't make it to the laundry basket. But I'm so thankful for a husband who understands my love for my job and thus supports me 100%. For a father who loves being "stay-at-home-dad". For a man who knows less than 7 hours of sleep makes me a grumpy wife.

And Lyla.....As I started putting her toys back in their places, I found myself frustrated that I know have another room to clean. It seems as soon as we took our house off the market is when Lyla decided to be a messy 2-year-old. And then God reminded...some women will never have a child's room to clean up. Toys are all over the house because you are blessed to not have to put your child in daycare. Books on the floor mean your daughter has a love for reading and a growing imagination. Someday all too soon she will go on her way and you will miss those toys on the floor, and crayons under the couch. Remember, your prayer was for a healthy child. Not a neat freak! And what fun would that be?

So today, I'm thankful for my sweet husband and my full-of-life daughter. We may not have a big house with a maid, but we have a home that we can afford. A home full of laughter, imagination, and wonder! I'm thankful that my Savior reminded me that what I have is not perfect, but it's perfect for me!