One

I’m sure I’m not the only mom who holds her breath a little on Christmas morning. This year as I watched my unaware and brutally honest ten year old open gifts, I never could quite anticipate his response. My genuinely appreciative child also hasn’t learned the art of expressing gratitude before he fully can understand the gift. “Well I don’t really know what this is, so...” “I’ve never heard of this book, so...” “Hope this one works because the last one didn’t.” “I’m not sure I’ll be able to do this, so...” My husband and I sit slightly amused and slightly mortified, prompting and coaching and correcting- “We will help you with it!” “I think you’ll enjoy it.” *whispered* “Thank your grandma.” He loves all his gifts. The engineering kit that was “too hard” sure enough came with directions and his dad helped him through. The book he’d never heard of was a hit. He’s learning the art of spoken gratitude rooted in trust for those who love him, and the humility to recognize that there is mo...

We’ve been in DC this weekend. In relentless rain. Oh and a hurricane is heading toward part two of our vacation.  This has been the kids’ dream trip ( #homeschoolers , right?! ). Yesterday I walked in the rain with my crying 10 year old between Smithsonian buildings. “I’m finally in WASHINGTON DC! And it’s raining! I’ve looked forward to this for SO LONG!” (Have I mentioned before that he’s a tad int ense?!) This weekend has actually been a gift to our family. It’s been a time to rehearse that all of God’s gifts to us are good. And when He gives us rain instead of sunshine, it is an opportunity to give thanks. Give thanks for rain ponchos. Give thanks for $1 bus rides. Give thanks that we are together. Give thanks for amazing museums and opportunities to learn. Give thanks for a dry, safe place to sleep. God has lavished His grace on us. When I am not gracious with myself, with others, with circumstances, doesn’t it all stem from misplaced hope? Misplaced expectations? A sens...