7.24.2008

good thinking

Last night, I was laying in bed with Asher for "ONE minute" at his request. It is one of my most favorite requests of his. He was quietly staring up at the ceiling with a look of ponder in his eyes. I whispered in his ear "what are you thinking about buddy?".
He said "good".
I was about to open my mouth and re-ask the question, thinking that maybe he didn't understand what I was asking him. And then I stopped myself, realizing that he DID get the question. I was the one who didn't understand.
Convincing my mind to dwell on the "good" is a lesson I come up against again and again and again in this life. It always seems to be the subtle whispers that take the greatest hold. So, I try to imitate Asher's wisdom with the dwelling on 10 things that I am loving right now in my life. 10 things...because we have to start somewhere!
1. The tan lines that are appearing on my little girl's shoulders...leaving behind evidence of the hours spent splashing and floating in the summer sun.
2. The way she whispers "there waldo" while pointing to every object and person illustrated on the pages as we search and study the Where's Waldo books.
3. Listening to acoustic guitar strummed by my dad's careful hands and my cousins accompaniment and watching the way my little boy dances energetically about to the created rhythm in his tie-dyed underwear. It takes me back to when I was little and the joy that encompassed me when hearing the same music.
4. The storms that have been visiting us. The way the wind lashes and the sky darkens and the smell of earth lifts up into the air.
5. My clean home and the thankfulness that I feel for my mom...always lending a hand, always working hard to help make life a little more enjoyable for her daughters. I have been looking around my house and just feeling so much more peace from the organization and space. It isn't my strong point...organization...and sometimes it takes the people who love you most to come up with a plan to help. Thank you!
6. Homemade guacamole and the way my little girl shares a bowl with me...loving it even MORE than her mama, I must say!
7. Our library visits and the way that each one delights Asher in such a way where he wants to hold each book in his lap on the way home. I love how he takes such pride in sharing his library books with others and learning all about new creatures. I love how he picks one subject and wants to check out every possible book to bring home. I love that he is eager to learn.
8. Dreaming up sewing projects and knowing that there is a sale this coming Saturday at my favorite fabric store!
9. Sitting on the couch with my husband, after the children have gone to sleep, with the TV off and a book in our hands...reading a chapter a night together.
10. The listening ears of my dad...and his wisdom and open way of helping each person to be heard and understood. I learn so very much from him.
Perhaps I will make this a weekly ritual...the listing of 10 things. I wish to genuinely answer "good" whenever someone asks me what I am thinking about.

18 comments:

Tanaya said...

"good" indeed!

so, so good.

Jac said...

Isnt it nice to take a minute and think of the good rather than the not so good. I did this a while back and I loved it. Gets you into a better place even if only for a moment.

kimberly said...

with tears in my eyes and a chuckle....i loved reading each and every word jess.....you have a way with words that paints a picture for others to participate.
i have been thinking of doing this also sass....perhaps i'll join in the weekly writing.......and thanks for the kind words.....we all need help with something sometimes! :) again....loved this post! and so much we can learn from these little ones! thankful for them and their view of life.
xoxo

Cory said...

I absolutely love this Jess! You are such a beautiful woman, both inside and out. We have talked so much about this subject and I appreciate your reminder today. I love you and miss our time together :)

daisies said...

very very good :)

mmmmm ... homemade guac ~ i have some in my fridge, yumms!!

Melissa Stephenson said...

Such a good reminder.... Thanks Jess. Whenever I dwell on the blessings and how much God has granted me, it seems silly to whine or complain about the little things... =) As usual, our children seem to teach us as much or more than what we teach them. I'm glad you shared this. Now, if only we had a picture of Asher dancing around in his tye-dye underwear! =) Hee hee!

cassie said...

i love this writing jess. we could all use a little push to focus on the "good" that happens daily in our lives. give your little june bug a mighty squeeze as thanks for the reminder.

Anonymous said...

how cute is Asher? wow. we have so much to learn from the little ones. your list inspires and touches me.

Sara said...

Our kids are such amazing teachers...this is so beautifully written. Thanks for the reminder to let ourselves see the good, feel the good, just being good...

Debbie said...

I love that our kids can bring the focus back to what is really important for us. I love your 10 things. You once again wrote so beautifully and painted a peaceful picture. Hope you can answer "good" today!

Daydreaming, tree hugging human named lindsey said...

Oh. I love every one! And please tell me what fabric store is having a sale!

Charlotte said...

Hi Jess!

Thank you for this lovely post. I think I may copy this fantastic and make a list of my own. Would that be OK? Thanks, Asher. "Good" thoughts!

Susan

Vonda said...

Ah, yes, 10 good things!

I love organization but I never seem to attain it. I wish I could rent a Mama for a day!!

Carol Dunton said...

love, love, love this post...
so 'good'!

latisha said...

wonderful idea.

Elizabeth said...

This post was so touching. In particular I love "there's waldo."

Natalie said...

Jessie!! I am so happy you found my blog, and that I found yours! You are such a beautiful writer, your words are inspiring. I love reading all your beautiful words, so keep it up! It is so nice to stay in touch with old friends!

Simplicity Wins said...

I love that you find the "good" in everything. Thanks for the reminder. I think this is my very favorite post ever!!!!
Keep writting...you are so talented.