We were rushing to check out of our hotel, and I couldn't pick an outfit. Our family had an appointment to visit some caverns in the mountains of Virginia where we had been staying the last few days. This was the last day of our short get away, and Mama was holding back everybody from hitting the road. My options were limited because I had tried to pack lite (something that is very difficult for me). It was a cold day, and I wanted to dress appropriately, but my sweater felt too short. Would I pass the touchdown test? In elementary school, my girls attended a private school and had to complete the touchdown test every morning by holding their arms up for the signal for a touchdown. If their little bellies showed they would have to call home for a new outfit. So my husband told me to lift my arms. It felt too short. He laughed and said, "Just don't reach for the stars today honey."
So we left, short Mommy shirt and all, and I kept my coat on for the whole caverns tour.
We laughed again about his advice on the long ride home. Yet the words felt so true at the moment. I haven't been reaching for the stars as of late. I'm caught in a rut where the things that I used to love and used to bring me happiness and satisfaction, instead feel like chores and hard work. Writing used to flow from my brain to the page, and now it seems like the words in my mind can't make it to the paper or screen. Cooking would be a way to create and try new tasty ideas, and now it is a stumbling block in my day to plan for the meals. Nothing sounds appetizing. Everything seems boring and bland. I truly have not been reaching for the stars, I just roll out of bed at 5:45 and plod along until 10:45. Same routine. Same results. Same meals. Same blah feeling.
The irony of my husbands comment came full circle the next day. As I read a short devotion, at the bottom of page there was a quote by Robert Louis Stevenson. I've read his poem "The Best Things in Life" before, but today it had a whole new meaning.
Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life’s plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.
by Robert Louis Stevenson
I smiled as I read these words. It warmed this Mama's tired heart. I am not sure when I will emerge from this rut, but I know God has a plan for this time. I will keep trudging through, thankful for everyday. I will complete my daily tasks and prepare our daily meals all while trying to Show Joy in the process. Yes these are long, hard days but they are also sweet, sweet days as well...full of laughs and tears, good meals and burnt toast, homework and practice, music and screams, sibling arguments and games played, and where the evening always end with a prayer and a hug no matter how hard the day seemed. Thank you Lord for these 'sweetest things in life', for although they may feel small, to me they
are worth more than reaching for the stars.
"do all to the glory of God" 1 Cor 10:31b
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