Sometimes when it’s been a full day. When the patience is tapped. Or the noise is a bit much.
I step outside.
Just for a minute.
And I take it in.
The hydrangeas by the front door. A day lily on its last bit of bloom.
I walk around to the back. Unhook the latch, step through the gate. The garden is there. Needing a weed pulled.
I look up. See a sliver of moon. A puff of a cloud. The sunset reflected in purple and orange.
By now I’m to the back door. I quietly swing it open and step back in.
Just a short walk outside, around the house. A breath of fresh air. A new perspective.
And a better wife, better mama for it. Refreshed to freely love. Ready to tuck in precious ones. Listen to prayers. Be thankful.
“The best things are nearest…light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Kerri says
June 8, 2010 at 8:44 AMLovely! I felt like I just went for a short walk, too.
Forest Rose says
June 8, 2010 at 10:56 AMThis is such a refreshing post. I am going to try this every night when I feel like I
could lose my cool and lash out at everyone.
I’m a mom of a 3 daughters 4, 2.5 and 2 week old new baby. I know being sleep deprived
adds to the stresses of the day, but I will
surely try this. Thank you and God bless.
Tricia says
June 8, 2010 at 4:10 PMWhen my eldest three were about that age I made it a habit to get us all out of the house on a walk right after lunch. Leave the dishes and go! We all felt so much better after that 🙂
Blessings on you during the sleep deprivation days and thank you for your sweet words.
Angie says
June 8, 2010 at 11:19 AMJust Beautiful!!!! Thank you!!
Kendra says
June 8, 2010 at 12:53 PMSo simple and wonderful! Love the hydrangeas!
Michelle Padrelanan says
June 8, 2010 at 1:28 PMThanks for the beautiful pictures. It’s a good reminder to appreciate the world around us. The best things in life are indeed freely given by God to us!
Tricia says
June 8, 2010 at 4:27 PMThanks ladies. Sometimes a short, simple scenery change is just the thing to help me appreciate all that is right in front of me.
Brandy says
June 8, 2010 at 7:12 PMGood reminder! I’ll use this one tomorrow :0)
Jamie says
June 22, 2010 at 9:54 AMWonderful reminder. Thank you. 🙂
Kris @ Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers says
June 22, 2010 at 3:23 PMGreat reminder. Sometimes just a moment outside alone is all it takes to put things back into perspective.
I look forward to meeting you at the Blogographers meet-up in October! I plan on being there if at all possible.
amytuttle says
June 23, 2010 at 1:02 PMmmmmmmm. yes. me too! we are alike in the use of these coping measures! naps and breathing outside air… my favorite!
amy in peru
http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
February 20, 2013 at 7:10 AMWonderful advice! Your walk sounds lovely 🙂
Victoria says
February 20, 2013 at 7:33 AMI step out to get the mail often just to do this. I take a few deep breathes while I am out there and then return it is amazing how it clears the head.