Places I hide...

I've been pondering the ways I hide from living...truly living. Living in abundance, chasing joy. I get overwhelmed with the day-to-day--the bickering, the lunch-making, the laundry...all of these things grow tiresome and mundane. Ordinary. And I hide...
I hide behind the computer.
I hide behind sleep.
I hide on the telephone.
I hide behind food.
I hide in the quiet of my own head.
I hide behind anger.
I hide behind distrust in good.

When I try to escape from what I'm truly called to, it's never a pretty picture. But it's hard to be fully present. It's hard to accept that my kids are arguing again and I am called to calmly get down on my knees and teach them love and patience.
These vices do not help me to grow. They don't help those around me to grow. And in fact, they relinquish the God-given control I have as a mother and wife.
So right now, that's what I'm working on...being fully present. Engaging. Listening. Trusting that love and gratitude is so much more powerful than the things I hide behind.
What do you hide behind? Any suggestions on being more present, living life abundantly? Being a joy-chaser?
Thanks for reading, friends.

Things I'm thankful for:
A cool summer night~Writing letters~Pretty stamps~Cool breeze~Opening windows~Feeling good enough to walk to the park~A purple flower in a field of weeds~Husband smiling in the morning~Neighbor walking dog~Sunshine through my window...

When I stop giving thanks, the snake slithers in and flicks his tongue at me. He whispers lies and I believe them. I hear negativity and sadness. But when I choose to see beauty, to be thankful, I am filled with joy. How can that be? Something so simple, but such a difference.

My gratitude continues to grow...
A listening ear~beautiful hibiscus with deep red center~little girl imagination~determination~music~friends who "get it"~husband who helps me around the house~getting to sleep in...

Nine More...

65. Ralphie's head of thick, black hair
66. Shucking corn
67. Forgiveness asked for and received
68. Laughter thanks to Samm and Krystal's blog
69. My Father in Law patting my dad on the back and the two of them laughing like old friends
70. Baby coos
71. Brothers hugging
72. Church with my family
73. Grilling on a Sunday
74. My boys asleep snuggled close