My Stretching Heart

          It's not often that I actually take the time to share my heart on this blog.  I was thinking about why that is the other day.  The first, gut response - I just don't have a lot of time on my hands right now.  When my girls are both asleep, I have a lengthy list of items that "must be done".  And on the nights when Matt and I are both home, I like to spend my time with him instead of typing at a computer keyboard.  My second reason centers around a debate in my head as to the purpose of my blog.  I really don't intend to turn it in to an on line journal - yet.  I love sharing pictures and short stories with my friends and family through this very friendly venue, but I haven't felt like using the blog to also share my heart.  I know that down the road, I might change my mind and use this blog in a more personal way.  For now, I'll keep most blog entries short and sweet.  Occasionally, I'll open my heart a bit and share if I am led to do so.  This blog entry is a short sample of just that...

          I have truly come to a place in my life where I am content.  Or maybe it would be more honest to say I am learning to be content.  Yes, life is not always a picnic.  Matt has too much work to do, he's deploying, Audrey tests boundaries daily, I am sleep deprived... But, I truly love being a wife to Matt and a mother to Claire and Audrey.  God is teaching me daily to rest in His arms, to pull my strength from Him, and to cling to the peace He promises.  This sounds so cliche, even as I write it, yet it rings true in my heart.  It is real to me.  And as I watch my little girls grow, learn, and play, I realize how my heart is stretching with each passing day.  I love my family more and more every day.  As Matt and I sat outside after our dinner last night, we watched Audrey running through the yard - free, healthy, and happy.  My heart was overflowing.  I sat there and thanked God for taking care of us - thanked Him for keeping us safe in his arms.  I realized I would do anything to keep our family safe because I love them so much.  I know God feels the same way about me, about Matt, about my girls... And that just blows me away.