Who loves Hobby Lobby? I know I do. And one day last week I found myself by myself in that lovely building full of everything a lover of home decorations could want. It was almost a dangerous situation, but I set a timer and when the timer went off I had five different pieces of wall art/decor in my cart. One thing I love/hate about myself is my ability to make frivolous decisions that cost $$$ in a short amount of time. I ended up putting all but one thing back, picked up a random sign for the office/school room and spent under $20. That must be some kind of record, right?
One of the signs I had in my cart but got the ax was a rustic sign with “some call it Chaos, we call it Family” written on it. It really resonated with me. I grew up in a family with 5 kids. On my mom’s side, there are over 30 cousins and Christmas Eve at Grandma's was never a silent night. Now I have 5 girls and even though I know a “gentle and quiet spirit is well pleasing to the Lord,” it tends to be a tad loud in our house. Yes, some call it chaos, but I am calling it family and I am completely ignoring the dictionary’s definition of it.
But in the seeming chaos there is peace and silence. It can be found in the laundry room. No one wants to be there and last Sunday I found myself folding clothes in the wonderful quietness. As I was folding clothes I felt so blessed. On the way out of church that morning, I was talking with my pastor and he was so encouraged about a little answer to prayer. I thought about how little answers to prayers prove that God is working and that if He can answer little prayers, He can indeed answer big prayers. God is working. In my life. I am blessed.
On the way through the church parking lot to the car, we stopped and talked to our favorite Miss Vicki and Miss Price. The girls love them. Especially M&M. Sometimes I use those two ladies as a way to get everyone out the door and into the car in the morning…”Do you want to see Miss Vicki? We have to buckle up first.” As we talked with them, she mentioned how she prays for us every time she passes our driveway. I felt so blessed. Blessed that I am not the only one praying for my family.
So as I am folding little shirts. I am thinking about all these beautiful blessings and people in my life. I am so encouraged. But Sunday also involved chocolate milk spilt on my cream couch, a 10 minute time out for everyone, Molly cutting her hair, and making a lunch that no one wanted. Still, Sunday was a good day. I am not sure if I am numb to the crazy chaos or if the blessings are shining so bright in those moments that all is still well.
Life can be loud, crazy, and chaotic. But it can also be calm, peaceful, and intentional. If you need a break, go fold some laundry and think of all the blessings in your life and pray to be open for many more.
