It’s a good day.

I’ve blogged before about what makes a good day. Is it sleep the night before? When things are going the way you want them to? Or is it just the attitude you have toward the day? I think it’s all of these things and more. I think a good day comes from knowing where God wants you and standing in the middle of it. There may be a storm all around you, but as long as you know you’re where you’re supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to be doing, it’s a good day. Today is a good day.

Didn’t sleep last night, but that’s not new. Both kids had bad dreams. Ellie ended up sleeping on the couch. She came into our room bright and early. Was it 6 A.M.? Does it matter? I had already been up for a while praying and listening and imagining I was still asleep, but once she came in the day began. Rick jumped into the shower – okay, slithered may be a more accurate term – and Ellie climbed up in bed with me. We began our daily ritual of me pretending it’s nighttime and her insisting it’s daytime. As she flung open the blind to show me the blue sky, she noticed one of her children’s Bibles in the stacks of books that line our bedroom. Thus began story time. We took turns reading Bible stories for about half an hour until Zach meandered in sleep-eyed and adorable in his footed pajamas. Time for food.

There are a few things consistent with all Dennis men. Once their minds are made up, they’re made up. Negotiations, manipulation, begging, even feminine wiles mean very little and often evoke the opposite of intended results. Secondly, they need food to function. No fancy-schmancy girl food, either. Real food. Something of substance. Zach, for example, will eat an entire pound of bacon all by himself. Did I mention he’s two? Yeah. Once Zach wakes up the clock starts ticking. Gotta get food in him or the family’s equilibrium will quickly be upset. Fortunately, I went to the grocery store yesterday!

Blueberry pancakes with some Laurie Berkner and Go Fish! in the background. A perfect morning. Oh, and did I mention the after breakfast workout? The kids decided to tackle me repeatedly on Zach’s bed, which is really just a mattress lying on the floor. (We’re still deciding how to do his “big boy” room.) Well, this resulted in about forty crunches on my part with 34-40 pound weights (a.k.a. my children) wiggling around on my legs. That’s the most intense exercising I’ve done in at least a week!

Yup, it’s a good day. Zach has even gone in the potty twice already this morning. It’s not that things are going well. We’ve had our share of sibling arguments this morning as well, and Zach was not exactly thrilled about wearing underwear today; Ellie’s been whining because the rain is sure to destroy her plans to ride bikes today.

It’s a good day because I know I’m right where I belong doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m a mom and I’m taking care of my kids the best way I know how. I’m training them to know God and live a life that honors Him. Hopefully I’m being an example of how to love Him with all their hearts. It’s a good day because I know my purpose and am taking the small steps necessary to fulfill it.