what we have to enjoy

i've been a little picture crazy here lately.  mostly because i want to capture all the faces and places that are dear to me before we "peace out."  and somewhat because i've been inspired to take the time to notice ... to notice what is dear to me that i haven't noticed before. 

the question was recently posed to me...

what if someday God holds us accountable for all the things

that He gave us to enjoy and we never did?

what an interesting thought. my children seem to feel it is their prerogative to indulge and relish every pleasure they possibly can... anytime, anywhere. sometimes i think enjoyment is a right that i have to earn... after all my responsibilities of the day have been met. and even then, i think that really enjoying myself involves an escape from ordinary time and space.

 i'm reading a most unique and thought-provoking book called 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp. i'm being challenged to recognize the gifts God fills each day with - obscure as they may be - to receive them and thank Him for the simple joy that they give me. so, i am on a quest to notice; it's like a treasure hunt. what can i find that's beautiful, that makes me praise Him? last week it was the ruby-throat hummingbird on the back deck.



two days ago, it was sky blue on top of Jacob's Creek



and a little boy's treasure... yes, i know only mommies find these things beautiful



yesterday, it was a wind chime and bubbles in glass.

then, there are the moments that smack so sweet and i smile. like Reynah's pigtails tickling my cheek when i hold her. and Josiah picking strawberries that he can sell "so we can get back to Africa." :)

 Grandpa Simpson (who turned 90 last week) at the park watching his great-grandchildren play

And Thomas reading from Grandma's journal, which she wrote from 1940 - 1945

yes, me and my little 'point and shoot.'  obviously, i have a lot to learn in the art of photography!  but i feel like i'm making some progress in the art of noticing.  sometimes.  other times, my children remind me i have a ways to go there too.

like the other day when we were walking together and i stopped to appreciate the field of hay bales.  Josiah asked, "Mom, why are you taking pictures of hay?  what's so special about that??"  as i was trying to explain my new-found art to him, Judah asked if he could kick it... just one time?  i agreed to the "just one time," which led to him and Josiah both kicking and pummeling the hay bale repeatedly while laughing with delight.  i gave up taking any more pictures of hay.  i called them to walk with me some more, so they came running then with flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.  who knew a hay bale could be so fun?  so i think that there is a step beyond noticing that is wholeheartedly enjoying.  i think it isn't about a discipline to be learned, but it's an instinct to be remembered.  i stand on the edge the wonderful, and, yes, appreciate it.  but my kids jump into the moment with a splash and swim in the wonder.