Thursday, February 21, 2008

Thankfulness

This past week I have been enduring some version of a head cold, sore throat and general cruddiness. This morning I gave in and called in sick.

My normal morning routine is rushed from getting up later than I intend to squeezing in exercise in the shed, to shower, breakfast, reading a chapter of Psalms and the day-of-the-month chapter in Proverbs with the children and then getting out the door to work.

Today, I was laying in bed - awake - feeling sleep deprived and generally bemoaning my poor sickening circumstance.

I eventually rolled out of bed into some sweats, wandered to the kitchen table and found myself immersed in my families normal morning routine. The one I don't see because I have previously left for work: Our oldest child busily emptying and reloading the dishwasher, having drawn that chore this week. A daughter practicing some more difficult portions of a new piano piece. Another seated at a table starting her schoolwork and absently twirling her hair. The five year at his "desk" sporting a faux felt dented cowboy hat while contemplating a workbook. The smiling three year old jumping across the tiled kitchen floor. Her denim and pink plaid dress hanging away from her body - giving the appearance of a blue and pink bell(e) playing hopscotch. Our one and half year old -still in his footed pajamas- alternately racing toy cars through the carpet and orbiting his older sibling's domains, punctuating his flight through the family solar system with a few counter timed low notes on the piano to help his sister.

And through the gunk in my head and the sleep in my eyes my soul smiled and sighed. There was such peace and pleasure during that snap shot in time. The joy in the smile of a three year old girl. The impulsive akwardness of a toddler. The beauty of music. The fun in a favorite hat. Even in the duties of school work and chores, there was loveliness in a happy spirit and a good will to work.

I am thankful to God for a day being sick.

1 Thess 5:18
"give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

5 comments:

Lydia said...

Thank you for sharing the moment with us! I agree, sometimes it's just the small things that you need to be thankful for. Sometimes those small things are a lot bigger than you think. Family times are so special!
Lydia
PS - I can't wait for the camping trip! Are you all planning to be there!

Anna Naomi said...

Our whole family was excited to see another post from Mr. Rob!!

Sorry you were sick - I know how you felt with the ickies. Thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection of thankfulness with us. Sometimes the sweetest are the smallest...

Rob said...

I agree, small things are very important.

Thanks for your comments.

I'm looking forward to camping as well.

Elijah said...

Glad you blogged again! :)

5Ingrams said...

In typical Texan:

"Ain't that the truth!"

:)