Blessed Quiet Time

As a mom, especially a stay-at-home mom, I don't always get much quiet time. I try to set aside time each day for bible study, time to read, in general, time for me to keep sane. However, some days that quiet (me) time doesn't happen and I feel a little insane. Today was one of those days.

This has been a busy week. Zoey's birthday was this week so we've been doing extra crafts, learning times and overall excitement to celebrate Zoey turning two. It has been a ton of fun, but also very tiring. At least all the excitement is catching up to me and I'm feeling very tired. But...the fun isn't over yet! Nope, the entire weekend if fun of birthday excitement as well as extra fellowship time. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely excited for all the fun happening. However, I still have things to get done tonight for Zoey's party tomorrow and all I want to do is go to sleep.

Tonight, I am in the kitchen preparing food for tomorrow's party. This is usually a fun activity that I do with Zoey or Stephen making the work part of it disappear. However, tonight it is only me. I honestly love being in the kitchen. I'm not gourmet chef, but I love a good home-cooked meal and baking always makes me smile. I've even been referred to as the Betty Crocker Mom from my sister-in-law. So being in the kitchen is not the problem, I'm just so darn tired that it feels like work.

In the spirit of joyful living and embracing my title as mom and wife, I head into the kitchen with a forced smile and start preparing. I have some uplifting music on and as my body sways to the music, I remember why I love this. I remember why I love being a mom and a wife. I love helping people and caring for them. And even when I am tired enough to go to bed at the same time as my two year old, I still love what I am doing.

I also realize something...this is the best quiet time I can get. My hands are busy, my heart is happy and my head is remembering all the things I have to be grateful for. And my mind drifts to the reason I am up late making cupcakes and potato salad to begin with. Zoey's birthday party is tomorrow and I have been looking forward to it for months. I believe birthdays are really something to celebrate.

Zoey is two! I can't believe it! When Zoey turned one it was exciting. It was an entire year where everything was new and adventurous. Now that Zoey is two, I feel like we have accomplished something. She seems so grown up. She understands so much and lets her outgoing, creative personality shine. I love that we can enjoy things together much more now. Two really is a fun age. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter.

I think the unexpected times to myself, even when I'd rather be doing something else can be the best. I didn't want this very special work to be a drag, and I'm glad I didn't let it. This really has been a blessed quiet time.