Furlough was not too long

For about a month or two, I'd been thinking, "Furlough is just too long."  But as I've spent the past week reflecting over our time away and just soaking up being back home, I had to ask the Lord to forgive me for thinking that way.  I know He planned our furlough just as we asked Him to and it wasn't too long.  It was just right.  Just what we needed. Just the right amount of time.  Just where we needed to go.   I learned so much.  He opened my eyes and heart and helped me see how much I lack. And how much it is only Him.  And I just feel so blessed.

It is soooooooo good to be home.

I was talking to my mom in law on the phone today.  She asked if we did anything special for Thanksgiving.  For the first time in our 16+ years of marriage, we didn't.  Yet I don't know if I have ever had a Thanksgiving where I've felt so blessed.  

I love holidays.  After day after day of just "everyday" life, I've always looked forward to those special days.  Something different.  A break from the normal.  Waking up to a special morning with great anticipation and excitement.

But this past week, I woke up to an entire week of special mornings.  Those little everyday things have been the things for which I am most thankful.  The things I look forward to.   Things I've missed to much.

Waking up in my own bed.

With my husband right beside me.

And sometimes one, two or three little ones snuggled up all around.

The sound of my alarm clock.

My closet and dresser drawers.

My favorite spot to read my Bible and pray.

Hot coffee.   Bringing a hot drink to my hubby.

Waving to my neighbor.  Children waking up finding me in the kitchen cooking breakfast.

My own kitchen.  My pots.  My pans.  My spatula with the melted handle.

Family Breakfast/Bible Time with Daddy around our own table.

Our church.  Our friends.  Knocks at my door.  Welcoming others into our home.

Chores.  Laundry.  My clothes line full.

Washing my own dishes while watching little ones play out the window.

Hanging up pictures colored on my fridge.  

School. Teaching. Learning.

Story before nap time.  Walking barefoot down to the store.

Puppet shows.  Children reading on the couch.  Cars and Lincoln logs.  

Laughter.  Cries.  Kisses.  Hugs.

Pushing a child on the swing.  Jumping on the trampoline.

The smell of pine-sol.  The taste of homemade cookies.

Wiping a dirty face.  A runny nose.  Tying a shoe.  Or 10.  

Fixin' supper that I know my family will love.  Ironing Daniel's shirts fresh off the line.

Giggles in the bath.  Mopping water off the floor.

Picking up toys.  Family Devotions in our family room.

Tucking my children in their own beds.  With their own special song.

Hearing the girls giggle and watching the older ones read by their lamps.

Sitting at my own desk.  Working on our schedule.

Hearing Daniel get home.  Having him brush my hair.

Going to bed without 12 other people in the room. :)

It is so good to be home.

I am so blessed!  I love the life God has give me.  I love being home!  It is all these everyday little things that bring me so much happiness.  I love to serve the Lord by serving my family.  I don't deserve any of this, but the Lord is so good and I am so very thankful.

It is sooooooooooooo good to be home!!!!