swingin'

Everything about this picture  from the etsy shop Storing Up Treasures captivates me.  It floods me with memories of carefree childhood moments.

Eyes squinting into the bright sun, 

drawing circles around it with our toes.

Plunging our feet into a cotton candy sky.

We could fly then.

And we let the wind tangle our hair.

Up. Up. Up.
Higher. Higher. Higher.
Until our hearts were so light they made our throats tickle.
Butterflies dancing in our tummies,
throwing our heads back as our feet went up,
we laughed.


It's the kind of joy God gives us when we feel like all our strength is gone.  It's the treasure we find in the  simple blessings of home, babies, and love.  It's why God told us to come to him as a little child, full of faith, full of awe, full of trust.  And I need that.  I WANT that.  I've let myself lose a lot of joy lately.  I've gotten wrapped up in disappointments, in to-do lists, in bills, in endless and exhausting housework, in impatience with this season of my life.  But God is reminding me about the little girl who used to swing with abandon, with unrestrained joy.  He's inviting me to recapture a joy that He alone can give.  To swing with Him, the light of His Son on my face, the wind of His Spirit beneath me.

The mother who took this picture reminds me what a full house, full hearts, full obedience really looks like.  Her blog is called Storing up Treasures and that is exactly what she is doing.  God placed adoption on their hearts and they said yes.  Four times.  And now they have ten children.  She's decided to sell her beautiful photographs in an etsy shop as a way to raise money to keep their home.  And I am praying in confidence that God will bless them!  Four children have experienced the love of a family because they didn't ignore the heart of God.  They set their plans aside and adopted His.  But, you want to know the best part about her blog?  You won't leave feeling less of a mother because you have fewer kids.  She's real and it's so refreshing.

So, if you get a chance, give them some love : )
And then find a swing set and go swinging with your Daddy God.