What A Blessing

It's my birthday on Friday. Josh started asking me what I'd like for my birthday last Friday.

I thought about it for 2 days, on Sunday I made my official request.

I want ease.

I told Josh I wanted no hard conversations, no worries about anything intense, no major life decisions, no finances, and as little responsibility as possible.

So he spent Saturday making sure all bills were paid and the schedule for this week was worked out for my Easy Week. He planned a birthday date and gave me permission (maybe not verbal...but I'm taking it) to take the easy road all week long.

Mac 'n cheese for dinner. Jammies 'till noon. Toothpaste smears on the mirror because I let the kids stand on the counter while we brush. No paying bills or checking the bank account. No waking up early to do things I hate. No going out of my way to be responsible when less-responsible will cut it.

But here's the thing about being a grownup. Despite our best efforts, I still did laundry and dishes all morning. I made and cleaned up dinner (simple - but I still made it). I lectured the boys about flushing qtips down the toilet and unrolling the toilet paper clear from the bathroom to the kitchen. I broke up fights and kissed skinned knees. I wiped crusty cereal off the floor and black beans from behind John's ear. I changed diapers and emptied the tiny potty. I adjusted the thermostat and locked the doors at night. I get dressed and go to work and (ideally) use my brain.

I'm still a grownup. And every day of my life - even the easy ones require more effort than I ever could have dreamed possible.

If my daddy were listening to me say this he'd listen carefully and thoughtfully to my rant, and when I was done he'd add "what a blessing."

And he'd be right.

Because he always is.