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Just Stop

Several years ago, I would daydream about what I wanted my life to look like.  We all do it.  Picture us at our "happy" our "ideal" 5--10---15 years from now.

Last night, it hit me.  I have arrived.  So often we get caught up on what is ahead that we forget the moment.  My husband lay fast asleep as I listened to his beating heart.  With my head on his chest I lay... still.  Listening.  The heart he has given to me.  The heart that beats every day to provide for his wife and child.  The heart that bears scars from the past.  The heart that has hopes for the future.  It was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude  My very best friend in this world.  The man who stands next to me.  Wipes my tears when I have had enough.  Enjoys my smiles.  Laughs at me and with me.  This man, is mine.   

You see, life is a funny thing.  Nothing is ever guaranteed.  And while we all understand that--the reality doesn't sink in until something hits, turning your life upside down.  It will eventually happen to us all.  None of us go through life without something rocking our boats.  So in floods the "waiting for the other shoe to drop"  feeling.  Waiting.  Wearily. 

But I push those thoughts away, and soak in every moment of this peace.  The peace of a simple life.  Wife.  Mother.  Daughter.  Christian.  These things define me and where I am in my life.  These are the exact things I wished for.  Prayed for.  Dreamed for.  And too often, I forget to stop and relish in the moment.  Too busy living.  Cleaning.  Folding. Running.  Go. Go. Go.  

Sometimes you just need to stop.  Listen to the beating heart.  And be amazed that in this crazy world where so much is wrong-that you have created a world of peace to retreat too--all your own.  

I am overwhelmed with gratitude.  

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