Summer adventures and new mercies

It's less than a week into summer vacation. While it's been a blessing to have Abby and Jude home every day,  I had forgotton how busy it is to have all 3 kids at home!  After a few days at home, I remembered that everyone is much happier when there are things to do... when children are not simply left to just "go play".   Please don't misunderstand, I do think that children should be able to entertain themselves for awhile.  But they also need parents to teach and listen, encourage and be present. 

 Today we set off on an adventure to Centennial Park.  It's a park we've visited many many times, but today we purposely did things that we've never done there.... like riding the train!

 After our ride, we went for a short hike, found some dandelions....

 ...and ate our lunch surrounded by creation, a testament of God's glory...

 ...a reminder of His mercies...

 I've been doing a Bible study with some friends over the past few weeks.  A couple of weeks ago we studied the passage where God provides manna for the Israelites.  Every morning, flakes of bread appeared from Heaven.  All they had to do was leave their tents and gather what they needed for the day. 
 
It's on the more challenging parenting days when I'm tired and all 3 kids need my attention, usually at the same time, when I call out to God more often.  

I long to be the mother that I'm called to be.  I want to cherish this time and train up these little ones to love, honour and worship God.  I want to be present and parent them intentionally.  I just need to get out of the tent and go pick up the manna...

  
daily... not just on the days when I have nothing left of my own.

Summer is here. 

 

This summer I long to just enjoy these little ones that have been entrusted to Jon and me.  I will endeavour to parent them well, trusting in the daily mercies of my faithful God.  I'm pretty sure that our summer will be much more joyful if I'm not relying on my own strength and "leftover" manna.

Here's to a summer of many adventures!

Lamentations 3:22 - 23
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."