{ Quiet Enough for Blessings to Be Heard }

Sometimes there is real blessing in slowing down so much that I am able to hear and see all the blessings in my everyday. There have been a lot of these opportunities over the past several months. Tim and I decided to eliminate "going out" like we used to do. We have been surprised that we don't miss restaurants one bit. The result has been a lot of sweet "at-home dates" and special times spent as a family.

~After dinner walks in our neighborhood and a stop at the park to swing. Sheer glee and contagious giggles from our little O.

~Dessert on our porch, just the two of us. Good conversation. A lot of counting blessings.

~Holding hands in the moonlight and walking around our property. Realizing how blessed we are and that the struggle is worth the cost.

~Dressing up, wine and cheese on our porch, enjoying the cool evenings and the beautiful flower beds. Victrola in the background and dancing.

~A full and busy weekend with grandparents and our small-town annual festival. Good music, lots of yummy food, good conversation, and spoiling.

~Enjoying our outdoor fireplace. Sometimes hot cocoa.

~A bowl of ice cream at the end of the day. Reconnecting. Readjusting our perspective and praying to trust, to accept.

It is a precious thing to us to see how we have grown through our struggle. It is equally humbling to see how far we have to go. I pray I remember these everyday blessings and cherish the quiet.