Tender Mercies

As I've become a wife and mother, I've learned more and more about how challenging these roles can really be (I know I heard those kind of sentiments plenty growing up, but you never know what it will be like for you until you're there).  Life isn't perfect, and definitely has its ups and downs.

The last couple of days have been kind of rough for one reason or another (lack of sleep on my part and a teething baby definitely played a significant role in that...).  However, I've noticed that Heavenly Father has His ways of letting me know that everything is going to be okay.  Sometimes these come in the form of sweet little things that Tom will do (e.g. a kiss or an "I love you" that were unexpected at the time they were given, like while feeding Ann lunch).  Or they come in moments like today, when Ann fell asleep in my arms easily for her afternoon nap - and then I got to sit for a few moments holding my sweet, peaceful little angel, and have an overwhelming feeling of love for her.  I thought about how grateful I am for Tom and Ann, and just felt a sense of confirmation that I am where the Lord wants me to be - married to my dear husband and taking care of my sweet daughter.

Even though my temporal situation hasn't changed (I'm still tired, Ann's still teething, Tom's still really busy with school), I feel like I can keep going forward.  And for that, I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father for His sweet tender mercies.