Learning to See

I walk through the clean hallway, checking the bedrooms, double-checking the bathrooms. Nice and spit-spot. The kids work hard, helping me pull the house into shape. But wait! What's this I see? I take a closer look at the kids' bathroom. That mirror! Why can't it stay free of toothpaste and fingerprints for just five minutes? Just five minutes! Is that too much to ask?

I look more closely. Someone has obviously been here since I came through with the Windex. And I know who. Someone with a very small hand. I'm irritated. I breathe. I force myself to stare at the blemish until that selfish tightness within me releases.

And then I see it. I see the perfectly formed print, the five little fingers, the unique contours on each finger tip, the palm -- all indicative of a little life within our home that brings joy and laughter. The hand I love to hold, the hand that reaches up to stroke my face. And I see beauty.

There are lots of things to see, unwrapped gifts and free surprises . . . .
It's all a matter of keeping my eyes open . . . .
~Annie Dillard

Keeping my eyes open to see the beauty . . .

*kids' patience when lunch is late
*a dozen cheery yellow cloth napkins -- a project completed!
*Aidan helping Daddy with groceries
*a book finished
*a book begun
*Drew and Avery, giggling uncontrollably
*Jamie and Bethie trying out hula-hoops. In the grocery store.
*tea and scones
*date night
*sleeping in!
*clean sheets
*stacks of pancakes
*comforting a fitfully sleeping child, seeing her face muscles relax
*swapping kids for the afternoon
*bird watching with Papa
*catching rainbows