My Kind of Beautiful....

My Emma and I took a trip recently to our Nation's Capital. As I walked through the buildings of shiny marble, massive columns, and intricate architecture, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of it all. Entering the National Cathedral, I couldn't even bring myself to photograph my surroundings. Pictures just didn't seem to convey the power and glory that I felt being "in" something so beautiful. Even places full of sorrow, like the Holocaust Museum, the Korean Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery gave off an unspoken presence that caused me to stop and Thank God for the gift of remembrance. And then we came home... To the plain brick house where Todd and my girls were waiting for us. I looked around the next day, less than 24 hours after being in DC, and became completely overwhelmed at the beauty that is our life. My floors were a complete mess - littered with toys, playdough, and puzzles with missing pieces. All I could think was, "Where's my camera? THIS is my idea of beautiful." Click... My youngest daughter was napping on the couch as I tackled the massive pile of clothes waiting to be laundered. Click... I watched my Emma, practicing tolerance with her little Sister and our Special needs neighbor. Click... I noticed when our oldest came home from walking her puppy and began filling me in on her day. Click... I saw a little girl so excited to see the man of my dreams come home from work that she RAN to the fence to greet him. Click... I shared news of sorrow with my spouse, so we could pray together for our friends who so desperately need it. Click... The kitchen pantry, in need of replenishing, the broken swing that needs a new strap, the arguments between two little girls who don't really want to share their Momma with each other. Click... Click... Click... In the chaos and insanity that consumes us, in the dark moments when I feel inadequate, in the times when I feel like I am uneducated and unaware of all the things in this big 'ol world, God reminds me of the beauty that is my life. Sigh......