Mud Brothers

The boys were playing outside with the water hose yesterday and found a corner in the yard that is mostly dirt and before long it turned to a muddy mess. By the time I realized exactly how much of a mess it was they were already rolling around in it like pigs. For a moment I thought about telling them to stop and clean up before it got worse, but then I decided that it was just mud and the smiles on their faces were worth much more than the yard and the scrubbing I would have to do later. So instead, I got my camera and took pictures of the mud slinging.

There is a lesson to be learned in seeing the world through our children's eyes. I read something today that struck me to the core..."You mother as well as you know your Father." On my worst days, have I pressed into Jesus? When I lose my patience, have I reminded myself of the countless times I have failed and been forgiven? Am I sacrificing myself daily to show my kids the kind of love that can only come from Jesus? Where does my joy come from and how will my children remember me? Do I choose grace over anger and frustration?

I am a work in progress. But I am thankful for a Father who continually pursues me and gently whispers, "it's just mud" to a frazzled and worn out mom who often forgets to fight for joy amidst the chaos.