The simple joys in life

We just finished celebrating Easter here in the Clark househould. It was a beautiful day for our family, even though it was raining. As of yesterday, the Easter bunny still hadn't done much for the kids baskets and so I found myself frantic for a minute trying to get things taken care of.

In the midst of running around Target (the Easter Bunny's subcontract location of choice), I paused for a second in the aisle of torn apart children's toys and thought, "Man, do my kids really need any of this stuff?" I have this feeling at Christmas and birthdays too, and even when we go and do something as easy as take family pictures. I rush, and spend, and create stress where there shouldn't be. What do I have to prove? Who am I doing this for? Me? Them? Will they really care if they don't have a million things in a basket in the morning or if they don't have the right shoes for this photo op?

I struggle with this feeling a lot. Especially with Bug, as she is older now and "gets" it more. What should we be teaching them about special days like this? It's not about the stuff. It's about the time, and the memories, together. And yesterday being Easter was the perfect opportunity for me to

reflect on this.

Our Easter service was on "The Buried Life" and it was so timely to everything I have been feeling lately. The theme was about being truly resurrected...not just reborn...into a new life, into a new way of seeing the world, and our lives, and the lives of those around us. To come out of the "tomb" or the cave, and into the light of the world, casting away all of our doubts, anxieties, lies, or fears. It was a metaphor that allowed anyone, from any spiritual walk of life, to participate and gain new perspective. And I appreciated that.

I am trying to see this life in a simpler light. It doens't mean I don't want big things for my family, or my children, or myself. But rather, I want to appreciate what I have in front of me for the real joy it brings. I want to allow myself some grace and the time to slow down just a bit to see the true beauty and love that is already there.

When things get hectic or chaotic, step back and slow down. Blow some bubbles and appreciate the resurrected life. Come into the light and see what we can do!

#joy #Bubba #Bug #simple #slowdown #parenting