
I woke yesterday morning at a little before five thirty to, "A tent! It's the sun! It's trees! I hear a dove! Coo coo! I near ANOTHER dove! I hear it, Mommy! Hear it?" Sleep, though loved dearly, can be happily traded for infectious excitement.
And so I lay there smiling and encouraging her as she ran from window to window telling me all about the nature that surrounded us. It was a well worth it mommy daughter adventure.
We then got to spend the rest of the day playing in her wading pool and play set at my parents house and soaking up the heat of another scorching day. We walked and explored apples and pears from the trees, a squirrel tail that was attached to nothing else, and the smoke bombs set off by the neighbors. It was perfect. There is just something renewing about being with family in the great outdoors.
As I wake from a much needed sleep in my own bed this morning I am renewed again. I'm renewed by a new day and all that it holds.
I'm grateful for how a night under the stars can renew my spirit. I'm grateful for my daughter's excitement for all she sees and hears. I'm grateful to be stubborn and stick with the camping idea and to see the happy results pasted on my daughter's face. I'm grateful to know there will be more camping trips in our future. I'm grateful for the conveniences like a tent fan that help make it comfortable in the heat. I'm grateful for a day with family just running around after my daughter and exploring. I'm grateful for the renewed perspective I get from her excitement.
How do you like to renew your spirit? When was the last time you slept under the stars?
May today be seen through a fresh set of eyes. May we remember the wonder and excitement of even the little things around us. May we take the time to include a little nature in our day. Have a beautiful day!