I haven't felt like writing lately. I've been busy, yes. I've been tired. But, mostly I've been uninspired. Which is primarily because I haven't been looking for inspiration. I have found that whenever I look, I almost always find something that uplifts, enlightens and inspires me. When I'm too busy doing whatever needs to be done, I miss all those little moments. It is easy to do, and a careless habit I fall into much too quickly. But, over the last couple days I've been praying to be more aware of the goodness in my life. And, just like that, the tender mercies abound.
This morning, like most week-day mornings, was a rush. We have to leave the house by 8:05 am at the latest in order to have enough time to drive Davis to preschool (through two major, long-stoplight intersections) by 8:15am and still make it back to the elementary school (back through the long lights) by the 8:35am bell. At 8:04am Kate and Davis were still not dressed. (Neither was Lea, but she can ride in her pjs and no one minds). We finally pulled out of the driveway at 8:14am and I was in a foul mood. I hate rushing (yet spend the bulk of my life doing it). I was annoyed at children who dawdle.
Usually I have a book on CD in the car so the kids can spend the 30 minutes listening to a fun story. But, I didn't have one today, so we popped in Primary songs. Despite my love of the sweet, simple messages in this music, my heart was still barred behind the walls of my bad mood. We made it to preschool at 8:24 am. I dashed Davis through the rain and dumped him off in his room (probably a little too quickly). I jumped back in the car and started to zip out of the parking lot. Rushing.
Then, the song "A Child's Prayer" came on the player. The three kids in the back started singing, and when it came to the third verse, they split, Kate singing one part and Dallin singing another in perfect, child-like harmony. The Spirit flooded the car, and my heart, and even my foul mood couldn't keep the tenderness away. By some kind of miracle, both lights at the long-light intersections were green. We drove from preschool to elementary school in a record 5 minutes, and the kids bounded out of the car with at least 30 seconds to spare before the bell. Mercy.
Goodness abounds. And, sometimes the Lord is willing to answer my prayers to see it, despite my hard heart, bad mood and unwilling soul.
