Look what I found...

I found 9 pictures of our family at the ice cream shop on a memory card yesterday. It was a fun surprise for me to find these summery pics at this time- when our highs were in the single digits and the snow is piled up everywhere we look outside.
If I remember correctly, this was our last little hurrah before the kids were to start school. It was our last chance to make a summer family memory and wrap up all the sun and fun that summer holds. I miss that right now.
These pictures have created a longing in my heart for things to come. Not just the tastes of summer, but the carefree days and the warmth of sun and the idea of having nothing of major importance on the schedule. I love summertime. I think I needed to see these pictures just to remind me that better days are coming, fun stuff lies ahead, and the sun will shine and the earth will feel warm again.
I love that in these few pictures I was reminded of how God designed the seasons, that He created 'good things' and that even as my heart longs for summer- even moreso it longs for a place where things will be made new and perfect again. I long for Heaven- it has been intense and growing with each passing day ever since Teagan died and life changed for me. I have longed for things in this world to 'be made right and new' and as I seek Him, I long to see Him face-to-face more than anything in this world.
Today I snapped at my kids as they rushed to get their things gathered for school. I grumbled to Chip about the weather and about life and all it's monotony. I looked around at the chores that needed to be done and the things that are demanding my time and attention. I realized I owe my loved ones apologies for being short with them and for complaining too. I asked God to forgive me for my shortcomings and then I thanked Him for this longing I do have- for something more- for something perfect and beautiful. I thanked Him for not giving me such a wonderful life that I miss the fact that there is more coming in the next. I'm glad that life isn't always filled with warmth and giant chocolate-covered waffle cone sundaes. Because the truth is, if my life were too rosy, I likely wouldn't need God and His tender mercies and constant reminding that Heaven awaits. Instead, the simple needs of my heart are bent toward Heaven and that is something I could never have found on my own. It's taken struggles and seasons of grief and 'imperfection' for me to know and long for something more. Today I am thanking God for giving me and all of us the gift of seasons in our lives.