Five Minute Friday: ENJOY
“We have established an after-dinner routine that I quite enjoy. Usually, we are in such a hurry to get to it, we leave the dirty plates on the table and run off to tie shoes and zip jackets. The kids wait on the porch or rush the front gate to start down the hill on our family adventure. The crisp air and view of the mountains takes my breath away in the best of ways.
I gaze at my children whose hands are grasped together and grins are adorned with splattered spaghetti sauce. In our haste to start our stroll, I had forgotten to clean them up. I smile sheepishly at the aunties we pass along the way who signal their disapproval. Nothing could rob me of the joy of this moment.
Except maybe when the kids’ smiles cease to join us on our walk. When their feet drag and the pitch of whiny voices reaches as high as the mountain peaks. On these days, we cut the length by a lap and hope for a better run the next time. I remember all the peaceful and wonderful moments we’ve had along these cracked roads and trust we will steal a few more amidst the hurriedness of busy ministry life. I wonder when they’ll start wiping their own faces and racing ahead of us instead of walking hand-in-hand at parents’ pace.
The good and the bad days. The long walks and the short ones. These days, precious and few, were made to be enjoyed. Sometimes, we just have to try harder than others.”
Beautiful words, beautiful pictures, and a way cool beard.
#2 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/11/your-dying-spouse-234-goodbye.html
Ha! Had to tell my husband about this comment! He approves. Thank you, Andrew!
Love your laps. Do you guys run or walk? And you have spaghetti sauce there, but no pumpkin pancakes. Hmmm…you have gotta find a First Watch when you get back to the U.S. Seriously. 🙂 You captured the joy and the frustration of little legs sublimely.
We walk. Though sometimes we have to chase a kid or two. I make our spaghetti sauce, but I do think it is available here. I had to look up that First Watch restaurant because I have never heard of it but was happy to find there are some close to where we will be. Thanks for reading, Christina. And for making me hungry!
So lovely – like YOU.
Thanks, friend! You are the lovely one!
Beautiful description of a great family routine. Blessings!
Thanks, Laura! So good to hear from you!
Love this!
Thanks for reading, Tara! I hope you are well!
I love this! Especially this line: ” The good and the bad days. The long walks and the short ones. These days, precious and few, were made to be enjoyed. Sometimes, we just have to try harder than others.” Thank you for sharing your daily stroll with us!
Thanks, Mollie! I know you are having to try harder now maybe more than ever! Prayers for your daily walk!
Had to giggle at the disapproving glares of the ladies… as if they didn’t ever forget to wipe their kids clean, EVER? Well done for embracing the moment, dirty faces and all! ? And enjoy your trip home! Super excited for you guys to touch home again!
Thank you! Can’t believe we are here!
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