Do you ever have one of those weeks?
I’ve kinda had one of those months.
And it’s not that this is a huge pity party…because I’m really fine. My days are full of smiles and laughter, often thanks to the sweetest little girl who can brighten the darkest room.
It’s just been a season…one where my desires and plans don’t match up with what He’s got for me.
And that can be hard.
In some ways, it’s been a strange paradox of death but life, of laying down but embracing, of letting go but choosing hope.
And that’s what I need right now. All of this.
But, a confession? It’s been hard to pray.
When my heart is just heavy and tired, I don’t feel like praying. Pray for others…absolutely. But pray for me?
It’s tough.
And maybe that’s why I’m so thankful that He’s there and He hears and He answers cries we don’t even speak…
And He answers them like this…
…a sweet note in the mail from a dear dreaming sister, just to let me know she’s thinking of me. Oh, if she only knew how perfectly timed those words were. Still are.
…a little book that has been exactly what my heart needs each moment I open it. My sweet friend has no idea how much these words have meant to this heart, especially in the last weeks.
…a Friday morning text…”Can I buy you a Starbucks?” She doesn’t know how long it’s been since someone asked me that…or how much it meant.
…a book that most of the world has already read, (or it seems like it, anyway!), and I am just now diving in. Coincidence? Not at all…my heart grips each word a little more tightly than the one before.
…Hello Mornings and challenging verses and before-sunrise discussions and prayers that make me breathe thanks for sisters who walk this journey with me.
…just-because texts that bring a smile in the midst of a hard moment.
Each of these felt like God was reaching down to wrap me in His arms and tell me, It’s going to be ok.
The funny thing is, I know that…but sometimes it’s nice to be reminded.
I’ve been showered with blessings in the past weeks, both by my (in)RL community and my online one as well.
Blessings…it’s a word He keeps bring back to me.
And I’ll write more about that next week.
For today, just thank you.
Thank you to those who love me so well.
Thank you to my Father for the countless blessings.
Thankful.
**************************
Happy Tuesday, friends! Today is the day when I join some sweet friends at Crystal’s space for Behind the Scenes.
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner.
“Behind the Scenes” is a fun link up where we show those photos – but tell the real story behind them. The sneak peek behind the scenes, a look past the edges of the photo to the real life behind it.
If you’ve got time to hop over, you’ll find some stories that will definitely make your day. From the sweet and silly to the sad and sentimental, the stories that happen beyond the edges of a picture are truly worth sharing. Blessings and happy Tuesday, friends! 
