Sunday at the Park

Happy Sunday!

This is one of those days when you feel very accomplished simply because you got a lot of little things done and, hey, it's only 4:30 in the afternoon! There's still plenty of time left for blogging, making lunches, and getting ready for the week. Feels great.

This morning, Hubby and I got up early, bought some coffee and biscuits, went to church (Andy was actually there and not at Northpoint! Yay!), and came home around 12:30. Then I made some Cajun shrimp pasta for lunch, enjoyed the last of the Moose Tracks ice cream, and straightened up our messy bedroom.

At 3:00, I asked Hubby to come with me to the park. I really wanted to enjoy the pretty weather and have a Bible study out beneath the shade of the trees. So that's what we did.

Now, if I were all about showing you the "pretty things" in my life, I'd just post the pictures and send you on your merry way. But in between all those lovely moments, Hubby and I kept bickering with each other.

First, everything was going well until we got to church and Hubby wanted to move seats. But worship was just about to start and I didn't want to move...so he got frustrated and then I got frustrated because, really, what's worse than having a spat at church? We were there for fellowship and worship and service...and I just felt awful because all I wanted to do was get lost in my time with God, but I couldn't stop being angry about the fact that Hubby (or so I thought) had ruined my mood. So in the middle of the first song, I hightailed it to the bathroom to cry for a second, say a little prayer, and breathe. When I got back to my seat, Hubby playfully elbowed me and all was well again.

Then, as we were pulling Lulu (my bike) out of the garage down the street, we got into another fight over which route to take to the park. I wanted to go to the left, up the hill and down the street past Kroger. Hubby wanted to go to the right, up one hill, down another, and across the street. My route was, admittedly, longer but it was only slightly downhill and, since my bike is a cruiser and not meant for super fast speeds, I didn't want to have to push it the whole way. Otherwise what would be the point of taking her? So, as our voices get louder and more tense, I simply turned and walked in the other direction, away from Hubby and whatever it was he was saying to me. We met up at the entrance to the park after I'd huffed and puffed and gotten more angry at the fact that (once again) Hubby had ruined my mood.

You see, my problem is that I have too many unspoken expectations. I think things should be a certain way...things like going to church and going to the park. I want everything to be pretty. Who doesn't? And when there's even the slightest hiccup, I feel like the whole day is ruined. It's actually pretty silly.

Anyway, once we got to the park we settled on the blanket and worked our way through a mess of jumbled emotions. And you know what? I'm so grateful we have the kind of relationship that bounces back quickly. We've worked hard on that. And there was really no sense in letting the little things get the best of our day. I don't know about you, but I'm the worst at that.

After we cooled down a bit in the breeze and gave Bella some water, Hubby read his Kindle and I started my Bible study. It was so good. And it completely changed my whole day. I finally looked over at my sweet Hubby and our little family and felt at peace. In the middle of trying to be everything and do everything at once, I was exhausted...and just when I needed it most Jesus spoke some humbling words to my heart.

"Look at what I've given you. Now stop wasting time."