Encouraging adventure

I don't know about you, but the thought of traveling with little ones always brings a sense of dread. Spring break was this past week. With my husband's work schedule and other recent life happenings, travel is just not in the cards this year. But we have always liked camping, so we decided to go for it. 

With a tent and $10, we could drive an hour to a local "mountain" and wildlife refuge. It was a cold night, but we had a great time and then took the kids hiking the next day. 

My little climber was super excited to tackle some boulders with dad. 

And someone might have passed out along the way from too much late night giggles the night before. 

I wish I could tell you there were no 2 year old tantrums or 5 year old whining (ha!). But it was reality so it wasn't the "perfect" family trip we all have planned in our head. But it was an adventure. And I can't wait to go on our next one. 

It's not always easy

Love. It doesn't always come easy does it?  It's easy to look at snapshots of our kids or think of the amazing times with our spouse or friends and reflect with love, but in the moment? Love becomes a choice, not necessarily a feeling. 

I don't know about you, but most days I wake up feeling determined. Today I am going to have it all together. I am going to be the perfect wife, mom, friend, organizer, Christian. How long does that take for me to mess that up? 

We live in a world full of pointed fingers.  We all have different viewpoints which most would agree is a wonderful thing. But when something goes wrong we are so quick to distance ourselves and make sure it's known the other is at fault. What if we did the opposite? What if instead of reacting against we reacted in love? 

In this Lenten season I have been reflecting on Jesus's reaction to our shortcomings. Instead of distancing himself he became us.  He took on our burdens as his own. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all did that? If we all would put aside our own preconceived ideas and simply and wholly loved others. I'm hoping to wake today not full of ideas and determination to be "perfect" or even "good." But just love. No matter what. And know when I fall short that it's okay, because I am loved too.