Seeing Him in the Middle of the Hard

 This week is a hard week.  It always is. And that is okay.  It really is. 

But last night and this morning I decided that in the middle of the hard, I'm going to look for God. Look for his blessings, His joy, His presence in my life.  So often I forget to look...and in this week of hard feelings, I want to be intentional. Here's the start...just last night and today. I KNOW as I look this week I will continue to see Him showing up for me in the hard.

Times I've already seen God (which may not be times that you would see Him):

My meow-less cat giving me a little cry to ask me to turn on the sink faucet for a drink (every day).

Waking up and rolling out of bed to work out wtihout any groans or second guesses.

Getting an unexpected happy work email.

Listening to my daughter sing to 80s music while getting ready (the best music EVER).

Said daughter waking up on her own and rolling out of bed easily! YES!

Motivation to get all the things done last night after a long day.

New stickers to put on my laptop, including one that a friend gave me because she thought I would like it.

National Principal's day--to celebrate two of the best. (Trust me...I've had MANY over the years)

Fun fingernails that are a little outside the box for me.

A tough cookie-of-a student stopping by to see me just because she hasn't seen me in awhile.

A student that has worked her butt off, turned her world around, and is set to graduate on time!

The gift of a massage and letting myself fully relax.

A hug from out of nowhere just when I needed it.

A friend who always remembers and checks on my tender heart.

A dad advocating for his daughter in obvious love.

A sweet little 1 year old visitor in my office at the end of the day.

The smell of lilacs.

My cat that has followed me around and wanted love the whole night (NOT normal)...she senses mama needs her.

The luscious greens of nature right now mixed with pops of colors.

Devotions and scriptures that hit right where I need them to, at just the right time.

Memories that sneak in and trickle down my face.

Having friends at work...friends that truly see me and love me anyway.

Sweatpants with a blanket and hot tea. Ahhh. (And the time for it)

Twinkle lights and quietness.

Going from sadness to laughter in .25 seconds...only God (smile)

I could go on, and on, and on. God is showing up. He always shows up. Sometimes I just don't make the choice to see Him, to watch for Him, to allow Him to touch me.  So as the week continues, and the hard is...well...hard. I'm going to watch, see, and allow Him into the hard with me.

God is good. All the time. Even in the middle of the hard.