Brief, Bright Moments

Today was a particularly interesting day. I'm sneezing non-stop and blow my drippy-faucet nose every few minutes. We [Wade] had to be in time-out so many times that we finally resorted to Dad's belt as a restraint for the dear Wade.  I yelled too much so we had prayer twice during time outs; We (I) needed extra divine help. I tried to vocally soothe screaming Hank as I mopped the floor as I had left the two boys strapped in chairs and rockers so I could just get it done!  I went over finances and realized how long it will be until we're in a comfortable position.  It wasn't a bad day, but I sure pondered a lot about my life.

I read an article about a teenage daughter telling her mom about her first kiss. My eyes sprung tears as I read the Mom's life long general instructions to that daughter that "If you don't want to tell your Mom about it, then you're probably not ready to do it". Oh how I hope I can have those same moments with mine. 

I stared at Hank as he nursed tonight, enjoying just a few moments free of sibling screams and hand-held devices, before said sibling came running in stark naked ready to jump on the bed and be his crazy, wild, two year old self.  I wondered if somehow Hank is to be my last, I need to savor every precious moment with this wee babe.  I thought how everyone says how fast these moments go by. Chubby nursing babies and naked toddlers running about... Some days I  am too hurried to be past this stage, but its also a good reminder that these things shall too pass!  

I've been taking a lot of pictures the past couple of days. All this entertainment right before my eyes!  It's just too good not to record. Will I get to take my journals and pictures to heaven with me?  I asked Perris that the other day. Maybe I will have it all memorized by then. But I sure do treasure all I write down and re-live as I go back and read. I'm sure our gracious God has an amazing plan that will help me remember. For it is by Him that all these lovely moments of life happen. 

Speaking of our Gracious God...High on the list of most beautiful songs that make me feel like I'm in heaven is this:  Thou Gracious God Whose Mercy Lends.  Please take a moment of your day to stop and listen to these words, and feel the power of the love of God for each of us.  This life and our existence is one big plop of mercy and grace from our Dearest Heavenly Father.  (Also recommended to go on a drive alone in your car with this song pretty loud, like as if you're standing amidst the Tabernacle Choir basking in the sweet goodness of all you hear)

Thou gracious God, whose mercy lends

the light of home, the smile of friends,

our gathered flock thine arms enfold

as in the peaceful days of old.

Wilt thou not hear us while we raise

in sweet accord of solemn praise

the voices that have mingled long

in joyous flow of mirth and song?

For all the blessings life has brought,

for all its sorrowing hours have taught,

for all we mourn, for all we keep,

the hands we clasp, the loved that sleep.

The noontide sunshine of the past,

these brief, bright moments fading fast,

the stars that gild our darkening years,

the twilight ray from holier spheres.

We thank thee, Father; let thy grace

our loving circle still embrace,

thy mercy shed its heavenly store,

thy peace be with us evermore.

AMEN.  Amen says Ali.  "These brief, bright moments fading fast..."  Let's make sure and treasure them TODAY.