Tan Lines and Flaws

     There are many days where I wake up, look at myself in the mirror and think , "This is not a pretty sight, and I can't wait until I put my makeup on." There are many days where I worry incessantly about my waistline or my developing lunch lady arms. There are days when I look into my closet and find nothing appealing to wear.

     A few days ago I learned that one of my friend's little baby boy had died over the weekend. He was only 6 months old, and he died from SIDS. My heart just ached. I think for someone to lose a child is heart-wrenching. Until you have children, you can never fully understand just how precious they are.

     Today I started reading Nie Nie. If you haven't heard of her, you can check her out here. Today marks the 3 year anniversary of her plane crash and as I have spent the last hour several moments reading her tender story, I felt so shallow and vain. But looking at her, I saw beauty and grace.

    And then I started thinking... Why am I wasting so much time worrying about my figure? Why am I not grateful enough for my body and the fact that it's housed 2 children? Why do I point out all my flaws and forget that I am a daughter of God?

     Sometimes it's hard to look at the good stuff. One negative thing comes along and that's all we can focus our attention on. I have so much to live for and so many things to be grateful for. I promise to hug my children a little tighter, to welcome my husband home from work with a smile on my face, and to enjoy each slice of cake I eat. I am flawed. That's what makes me human.

     So today, we spent the day at the fountains... again. I can never get too much sun. I love seeing swimsuit tan lines on my little girls. It makes me happy. I love hearing their squeals of laughter as they run through the water. I loved watching Halle drag her Elmo towel around.

     I loved looking around and seeing all the beautiful flowers around me. The city park is full of them, and I just had to soak it in.

    I giggled to myself as I looked at my girls cute shoes. Halle has outgrown the "li-locks" (aka flip-flops) I had bought her, so she now gets to wear Ava's very old li-locks. And I love Ava's little shoes. We found them at the DI for $2. Quite a steal.

    And I loved the beautiful fountains against the clear blue sky. It was such a perfect day. I have been given so much in this life. I feel truly blessed.