strangely dim

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

This is the chorus of a song written by Helen Lemmel in 1922. Sometimes I wonder if she struggled with some of the same stuff as I do. Maybe not, but her lyrics provide huge inspiration for refocusing on purpose. I easily get anxiety over certain things in this world that don't really matter. I try not to. I know in reality what my house looks like won't affect eternity, yet I stress. I know that my kids not getting involved in every activity won't change who they are, yet I stress. I know that visiting every country and/or city and being uber "cultured" won't matter a bit in the end, yet my pride allows me to focus on this and stress. I seem to find a way of taking the joys and pleasures of this life that I truly believe God gave us as gifts and turning them into stressors.

I love this song, as old as it is, because it says so much in nearly four lines. It quickly reminds me of who I live for and helps me re-prioritize my life...again and again. My stress begins to lesson and I focus on what matters and allow those things I love to correctly take their position as pleasures, not anxiety-causing burdens. Relief. I wish I didn't have to constantly remind myself, but I'm human, American at that, and the "extras" of life are so amply available to me. I am thankful, but I WILL turn my eyes to the one who gives me real life, and life more abundantly.

This little man bringing me a flower does not stress me out. ;)

Parker turned 4 yesterday!!! I can't believe it. We will be celebrating with friends and family in a few weeks, but I'll post our actually birthday fun later this week when I have time ;) Enjoy your week!