I love Emily Freeman’s ‘What We Learned’ Link Up and I’m excited to reflect on what I’ve learned! Writing is a good way for me to reflect on these things, so thanks for coming along!

Boys will be boys – I have come to love hearing my husband and son playing together. There is a special bond there, that I don’t have with my little Sweet P, and it’s fabulous. I’m learning that it’s a relationship to honor, even if it’s messy, loud, or different. What things don’t you understand? Can we give them honor even if we don’t understand? I’m learning. And so thankful.

Life is in the details – So often I’m waiting for the next big thing to get revved up about, something to lead, encourage, something bigger than me. But I’m reminded that the call of the Gospel reaches into even, and especially, the small everyday details. The washed dishes, wiping messy hands, washing underwear, and picking up one more toy all draw me back to Christ, if I allow them to. I don’t need to go looking for the next big thing to be involved in, whether work, ministry, or otherwise. I’m called to my now. That is where God is with me. The great I AM.

It’s not about the food – We’ve enjoyed hosting family and friends over the past few weeks, and I’m reminded again that people don’t come for the food and finesse – those things will get done, and can be fun to fuss over – but not at the expense of relationship. This past month we enjoyed dinners, lunch time chats, and time with my mom (Grammy) and I’m so grateful God reminded me to rest, relax and enjoy.

I have to take care of myself – and it’s not selfish – Life as a wife and mom has slowed in some ways, and picked up the pace in others. The middle-of-the-night waking is not as frequent, but I have a much more energetic little guy now! I’m finding more quality time with my husband than when he was working second shift, but this is often found over things we do to serve others – and that’s great! Just different. In all this, I have to constantly remind myself to take little breaks. Nap time is great for that – even if it’s just 20 minutes to read something, paint my nails, or take a quick shower before I need to get chores done. These little self-care moments remind me of my worth as a child of God – more on that in the next point.

Scripture memory changes me – This past month I was invited by a new friend to memorize Scripture. I actually said HELP! and she invited me to join her :). This is not an easy thing for me, although 15 years ago I was quite adept at memorizing body parts and cell structures! Having accountability to memorize, and even just writing the bimonthly verse (that’s right, only two a month) on my kitchen whiteboard, has changed my thinking tremendously and I’ve experienced growth in areas where I never thought I would overcome sin. Philippians 4:8 is on my board now; over and over I am reminded of my worth as God’s child by the first phrase – thinking on whatever is TRUE. I am His child, no matter what thoughts the enemy throws my way.

What about you? What have you been learning lately?