~The Leaves are Falling~

As I was out walking a couple of weeks ago, I turned the corner to see a tree whose leaves were falling so quickly, yet almost in a rhythm, even there was absolutely no wind - and, at that moment, it struck me - in a eye-opening kinda way..... As those leaves are falling, so are the seconds and minutes of my life. And, it wasn't a somber moment, but, one of "get living - and enjoy life"!

I LOVE life - anyone who knows me would tell you I am positive and enjoy living. But, I am also somewhat of an internal perfectionist - and, for anyone who happens to be one, they can tell you, if something is not totally perfect - it drives us crazy.... the lack of perfection can eat away and take the joy out of the moment. (You can imagine the chomping that goes on inside me with 4 children, 2 pets and a husband - none of who share this obsession that all things should be just right). The spoons that are not put away facing the same direction, the pillows that are not equally spaced, the piece of dog food that fell out of the bowl - these are things I see and it is like a little 'ewww, it shouldn't be that way' that will stick with me 5 minutes after I walk away, until I find something else to make me think 'ewww'. That takes the livin' out of so many minutes of my life.

So, where am I going with this? As I saw those leaves falling I had a good talking to myself - and, I told myself to let the little things go, and not bug me. As a reminder I made up the phrase - "The leaves are falling". And, wouldn't you know the next day, as we went to get school pictures taken, my son begged me to get his picture with him - "but my hair will not be right", "let's wait until next time", "I can't find my lipstick" - all these excuses, and more came tumbling out. But, "The leaves are falling", so, I made myself get the picture anyway - and he was so overjoyed, even if I didn't like me in it, it was worth it.

Today, as we schooled, the kids asked if they could make a website one day. "It takes so much time", "It is really hard" - yep, the reasons came tumbling out again. But, "The leaves are falling", so, they now have their own blog - His Precious 4 - and, again, I would not trade that excitement and joy they now have for anything!

As I look back over the last few weeks, I can see so many opportunities that I would have missed if I was not reminding myself "The leaves are falling". And, I thank the Lord for showing me that tree - it has changed my perspective on some things - Although the spoons still bug me, I try not to let it eat up anymore than a few seconds of my thoughts - Their position does not have any eternal significance - but, the moments I spend with my children and family, those have eternal significance.

So, just a thought - be sure you remember "The leaves are falling" and make the absolute best of each drop!!!