Whale of A Tale!

Many of you know that I have been trying to keep things afloat for a couple of months now (speaking, writing, teaching, mentoring...of yeah, I'm a wife and mother, too). As my "rapidly" new friend Cindy says, I have even had to "say no to the good things to say yes to God's best." God has so richly blessed this season of my life, I even described it as Spring! So yesterday, I declared that today would be "NEW!" I even posted on Facebook for some on-line self accountability that I would establish a new "summer routine," if that is not an oxymoron!

So with the 4th of July at my back, the freedom of being on holiday is over! God has so much in store for me to not take care of myself with late night projects, quick lunches, and bottomless cups of coffee.

Today was met with early morning curled hair (Praise the Lord- that is a sign of soaring, not just floating! Amen?!), printing a beach lapbook for Jeremiah, a huge mega check-out at the local library of beach (and pirate) books, a grocery store run for surf and turf for grilling tonight...are you starting to see my theme for July?! I like that type of routine so much better than my son waking up before me, "just coffee please!" breakfast, and a lengthy debate concerning my hair...shower or ponytail?!...during a.m. cartoons. Laughing?! I know that is not foreign to all of you!

As the morning routine brought me to my favorite quality time before nap, Jeremiah picks this as his first newly borrowed beach library book...
First, let me explain. My son as only two requests as we plan his first trip to the ocean at the end of the month: "Momma, I want to see a pirate ship and a WHALE!" Are you kidding me?! What happened to sea shells and sand castles?! I'll even throw in a new bucket and shovel, little one! Gotta love a son who has high personal aspirations, right?! Ship (boat, maybe) I can handle. Whale?...go ask Dad!

Naturally, with that in mind, this displayed book (thank you public librarian!) was tackled as my son climbed the shelves to reach his goal. He fanned the pages on the carpet right between my feet as Momma looked for others on "The List" and met her alphabet challenges head on! Why is that so hard sometimes?! With lunch's grilled cheese still in the corners of his mouth, he was ready for his "whale of a tale" naptime story. I opened the never before read book to meet, in a beautiful font, with a blue heron soaring at the top of the page.

Yes, I snapped a picture of it! Are you kidding? I felt God speak right to me while reading my son a nap time story! Could it have been any more clear?! Each page, organized by days of the week, reminds us what to rejoice over, be thankful for, and praise God about - just as Creation does. One line at the end of the "Easy Reader" mentioned the orca whales "spaying their praise." So beautiful!

Friends, I don't think it is about routinely staying afloat. Do you? Where is the excitement in that? Even that can feel stagnant. Joy and life are about intentionally raving God with "sprays of praise." Wouldn't you agree? I am praising God for the "Beach Month" that has begun in our home and in my heart. New day #1 - beach homeschooling lessons, beach library books, beach dinner on our deck, and a grateful momma whose Dad DID show her a whale today!

Father, Creator, Sustainer, I rejoice in this day that you have declared as "new." Forgive me for focusing on floating instead of flourishing. I stand barefoot on the Rock, ready for You to wash over me with waves of Your love, mercy, peace, grace, and faithfulness. I will daily delight my heart in casting praise in all areas of my life only to reel in Truth. Thank you for this small book with a whale of a lesson for me...and at the hands of my son...oh how you know what is possible from that! Amen.