Life isn’t perfect, and it’s not meant to be. But life…it is so full of beautiful moments, beautiful things, blessings – big and small. Sometimes we can lose sight of those things…those beautiful things about life. In the middle of the mundane and the sorrows and difficult seasons and hard things, it can feel like that is all there is. I find that my heart can so easily lose sight of gratitude and march right over into complaining about the things that aren’t the way I would like them to be…instead of really seeing all the things that are.
The other morning I woke up early, before Ben and Ayla were even stirring, and it was one of those wake-ups that you just knew wouldn’t let you go back to sleep. Instead of fighting it, I decided to get up, make a cup of tea, and spend some time with my journal. I rarely get out of bed that early these days, since I usually like to sleep as long in the morning as Ayla does. But this morning was beautiful and there was a ethereal mist over the lake and everything was still and new and fresh.
I started writing…just letting myself think on paper. I wrote about my husband…about how I never dared dream of being married to such a good, good man, one who romances and pursues me endlessly, who prays for me when I’m wrestling with lies and my own heart issues, who actually laughs at my really horrible sense of humor and likes my cooking, who lives his life with such integrity and honor and spirit. I wrote about my little girl…about how I never ever knew how much I could love a child like I love her…and about how her little life has already changed me in so many good ways…and about how she melts my heart into little puddles with her bright eyes and smiles and coos…and about the thought of watching her grow up and become who she is meant to be is one of the greatest joys and honors I will know. I wrote about the blessing of my family…about how God has redeemed and transformed us…about how much fun it is to sit with my mom and sister and crack the dumbest jokes and act like the silliest people and about how the laughter that comes from those moments are so good for my soul. I wrote about how it feels like God is giving us a season of change and hope and dreams…about how I see my husband finding new life as a daddy and as a businessman and as an individual…about how I feel my own heart coming alive in brand new ways that are both challenging and beautiful.
I wrote about how my heart felt so full and overflowing.
Life isn’t perfect, and it’s not meant to be. But there is so much good in life and I want to live with a heart focused on the good things and the beautiful things and the sacred things that surround me every day.
I found this gorgeous full heart t-shirt on from Sweet T’s Design Shoppe on Etsy a few weeks ago, and knew it was a perfect staple for my wardrobe the minute I saw it. It’s such a comfortable and versatile piece, and I just want to wear it all the time! And for a limited time, Sweet T’s is offering a fifteen percent discount to Beautiful Undefined readers on your purchase of any of their beautiful graphic tees or tanks. I’ve got my eyes on this, this, this, and this!
What about you: what are three things in your life that give you a full heart?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sarah Esh says
This is beautiful, Alicia. Life is hard, there is no doubt about it. But life is a gift and there is so much to be thankful for. So very much.
My heart is full as I watch Herm being a father to Carson; it's full when I get to enjoy the colors of the peaceful early morning sunrise; and it's full from time spent around the table with friends who encourage and inspire me.
Alicia Lapp says
I love your full heart list. 😀
And I agree:: the time spent around the breakfast table with you guys yesterday was so encouraging. We can't wait so long to do it again!
Chelsy Renee says
I love this post. And love this shirt! Looking forward to checking out that site! I am so into this kind of tees lately-I love them.
Lovely post!
Charis says
oh those are lovely shirts! love your thoughts…3 things right now – my husband and his encouraging me to dream and pursue them, God's redeeming work in my life, being with other people who inspire, encourage and dream with you, journaling time with coffee and a piece of dark chocolate…oh dear I guess that was 4 🙂
Alicia Lapp says
I'm feeling the tee's lately too! I guess it's just the easiest, comfiest, best thing to wear when it's warm out, right? 😀
Alicia Lapp says
No need to stop at four even! 😀 It sounds like you have a full heart too…love that!
Heidi Stutzman says
a closer look at that outfit you are wearing would be great. 😉 its cute. Are you wearing the black skirt over the skinnies? I do that in the summer, but i love it with them rolled up.