Yesterday was a rough mothering day.
My Blessings were human. I was human. We all fell down, and our human-ness scraped against each other.
It was not an epic fail, but neither was it full of His grace and love as it should have been.

In the midst of the scraping, it was time to feed the nursling.
I escaped to the still quiet of my room. Gave nourishment. Received grace.
As his chubby little body melted into mine, I breathed. I calmed. My heart filled with thankfulness to replace the frustration.

And I wondered…
When the youngest children left in the house are angst-ridden tweens and teens with a still unfinished mother,
how will He deliver grace to this scraping sinner?

I had no doubts about the giving, just curiousity as to the form.

~

This morning, I realized that in the busy-ness of yesterday, I had not posted thanks.

As I mentally continued the counting of gifts, I was reminded that the thanks are another vehicle by which He gives grace to this fallen woman.
I give thanks; He gives grace. No matter the season.
May I remember this in the scraping moments.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:4-8

Gifts #123 ~ 144

Grace through chubby cuddles
Grace through gratitude
Counting gifts with my Blessings
A gift counted by a young one – “People who are kind and gentle”

The joy and release of a handmade Christmas
Laminate
Wallpaper samples
Mod Podge
Scheming good things
The amazing physical home with which we’ve been blessed
The more amazing eternal home that awaits

Face-caresses
Laughter with my love

Advent anticipation that makes the whole month a season of wonder in the Saviour
God the Provider
The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world
God’s faithfulness to His promises
Christmas music

Growth in the lives of loved ones
Grace in the growing
The Marvelous and Wonderful love of the Father
Growing connected to new “family”