Today was good. The sun has been shining, a cool breeze blowing and our ground is finally starting to dry. It is good, y’all.

Lil’ Man was sent outside to release stored up energy, romping around with his dart gun attacking whatever invisible intruders he could find. It is so fun seeing his little imagination at work. I’m sure my wayward rooster would disagree, however. He often gets deemed as the “bad guy”. He spent this glorious afternoon dodging little foam darts.

Miss Priss and I had a lovely little afternoon getting some kitchen business done. We got all the fruit that I bought today washed and prepared for the week’s use. We also snuck in some time for baking cookies. It has been way too long since we have had some fresh cookies in our home. I try to get full use out of my cookie jar by keeping homemade cookies always available.

The time I was able to spend with my little two-going-on-twelve year old girl was so nice. We had a good time talking about little life moments, things about the future, and the importance of always holding fast to Jesus. Of course, she was more interested in plucking the grapes and setting them into the bowl, sneaking a piece of watermelon in her mouth, and “counting” the strawberries. She did not understand 90% of what I was talking to her about, but it was nice to have these conversations with her anyway. I look forward to more of these moments and conversations with her as she grows.

After we were all done and had everything cleaned up, she happily bounced away with a chocolate chip cookie in hand. I smiled as I watched her, but my heart began to ache.

I begin to think of the precious little girls in Iraq, I began to think of the precious little girls here in America, I began to think of all the precious little girls around the world who don’t get the chance to grow up in innocent wonder. I thought of the similar moments they may have shared with their mothers at the kitchen table. I began to think of happiness, shattered.

To say it breaks my heart, seems…trite. But, my heart was  aching for those moms and those girls. I prayed. I prayed for those girls, those moms, my own daughter and myself. I prayed that God would help me as I guide my children in His ways. I prayed that no matter what happens in my children’s life, they would cling to Him. I prayed that they would always know His love, His comfort and His grace. I prayed that they would look to Him to be their shelter of protection.

I’m thankful for today. I’m thankful that I was able to enjoy sweet moments with my daughter. I’m thankful that God is breaking my heart for what breaks His and not letting me ignore a world that is hurting by being blinded by my own seemingly comfortable life. I’m thankful for what I have today. I am thankful that any uncertainty my family’s future faces, I have the hope and assurance that He will be there.

Today was good. The sun was shining. The kids were laughing. It was good, y’all.