New Beginning Grace

Change isn't something I always welcome.   I like the predictable.  I like knowing the course before I go it.  I sink into routine and thrive.  Yet, there is something beautiful in new beginnings.  I remember being newly-ish married to Jim.  We talked on the phone everyday for the 30-45 minutes of Jim's lunch break.  Every day.  I remember doing park walks with friends who also had infants and blocking out the 12:00 hour, no walks, because Jim would be calling then.

Now, I don't hear from Jim from 9am-7pm and often we go in different directions after the kids are in bed.  The concept of blocking out time, daily, to just talk seems foreign but it was SO important back then.  Life changes and things, life, gets in the way.

Whatever stage you are at, every once in a while you are hit with a beautiful new beginning, which can come with ease or difficulty but usually also comes with extra bits of grace.  Fun.  Silver linings.

Right now, I'm soaking in the small beauties with June in Kindergarten.  My favorite is seeing his pull to the family and specifically, me.  The best way that this manifests itself is in his bus exit strategy every day.  He walks off the steps of the bus, scans for me, opens his arms, and RUNS.  He has the biggest smile and wraps me in a hug.  No other kids greet their parents in such a way and I feel blessed.  I feel special.  It's a small grace that I'm thoroughly enjoying.

Our next change to rattle the family dynamic is adding our second baby girl, fourth baby total.  Four children under six is bound to be intense and trying and sometimes a struggle, but I'm sure we will find those small graces that she will bring.  And I welcome the change. :)