Messes or Blessings?

Did we have a small tornado last night?  That is what I asked myself this morning when came downstairs.  Then I remembered that it was just the usual scattering of toys that missed their place, puzzles and games left on the table to be used again today, and cups from one last drink before bed. 

Some mornings while I’m awake before my children I wander around straightening up.  Today I just sat quietly and enjoyed the evidence of the little lives who share my home. 

• I see the magnetic letter under the edge of the couch that belongs on the fridge, but was carried in by the one year old. 
• I see the toy bowling pin and a small ball from my ever-playing two year old.
• The four year old’s reminder is the half-finished fishing game on the table.  He ran out of time before bed and wants to finish it this morning.
• My six year old can be seen in the art papers stashed on her favorite bookshelf out of reach of little brothers but not put away in her own room.
• The sick seven year old left out the zebra striped fleece blanket he snuggled with all evening.
• Open piano books are a sign my 10 year old was practicing again before bed just because she wanted to.

Do we see the blessings children really are?  It is easy to miss out on the little reminders that God loves us enough the share his children with us, to commit them to our care here on earth.  It is easy to see the evidence of joyfully playing little fingers who don’t put things away as just somebody making more work for mommy.  The world tells us that children are a burden, that they cost too much, that they stifle their parents’ freedom to be adults.

The world sees the mess and rejects children. 

The world misses out on some of God’s greatest treasures.

the sticky kisses
and sleepy hugs
finding wonder in blowing bubbles
whispered confidences at bedtime
worlds of imagination
love
life

Enjoy the messes.  Rejoice in the little hands that make them.  Thank God for it all!