With Purpose

 Early this morning I woke to nurse Lily while the rest of the house quietly slept. Instead of snuggling her into bed with me or dozing in and our of sleep in the chair, I read and pondered and admired the fresh snowfall out a dimly lit window. When she was satisfied and had drifted back to sleep, I gently laid her down and tiptoed into the kitchen to begin my day.

 

There are many mornings where I lay in bed drifting in and out of sleep, waiting for the children to wake me and begin the morning routine. Today it felt good to begin my day with purpose. To choose to wake before the rest of the house and enjoy a few minutes of peace and pondering after a few rough mommy days. It solidified my resolve to begin each day on purpose and to live more intentionally instead of just trying to survive day in and day out.

 

Sawyer joined me in the kitchen, rubbing sleep from his eyes as I pulled a warm pan of cookies out of the oven for school lunches. I scooped him up and we walked to the big window to take in the sunrise together. Watching the sun rise and fall each day always reminds me of how much my Father in Heaven loves me. We watched two deer quietly make their way across the yard while we whispered and my heart was filled to the brim.

 

The big kids arrived home to a fruit tray and vanilla dip to enjoy for snack. As we sat around the table I couldn't help but notice how grown up Camilla and Hyrum were looking lately. Hyrum's hair was poking out the front of his ball cap and it made him look nine going on fourteen.

Hyrum has such a tender heart. When he walked in the door after school and stretched out his arms for a hug while asking how my day was, he pretty much melted my heart. He's such a great big brother and I love watching him include others. 

Camilla is my social butterfly and animal lover. She has such a desire to be good and do good to others. She lifts those around her and always strives to do her best. Whenever I'm having a rough day, or need a reason to get out of bed in the morning, I look to my children. They are wonderful souls and I'm so grateful for the things they teach me each day.

"Do the best you can do day after day, and before you know it, you will come to realize that your Heavenly Father knows you and that He loves you. And when you know that -- really know it -- your life will have real purpose and meaning and you will be filled with joy and peace."

 ~M. Russell Ballard