Mud Puddles

Leave it to me to post my very first photo so late in the day.

This wasn't exactly how I had planned it, but then life got in the way, and what can you do?

Anyway, moving on....

As adults, we can't help but be deeply saddened by the loss and devastation all the tornadoes, storms, and rain have left behind. And scared by the thought of what's yet to come.

My heart goes out to all the people who have been affected by this recent tragedy. I can't help but think about how it would affect my family if we were the ones being evacuated from our home. If we were the ones leaving behind everything we own, without a clue as to what we'd find upon our return. If we were the ones who have lost loved ones. My heart is literally breaking for these families... families in TN, MS and AL. And I pray for peace, healing and resilience, emotional and physical, for every single one of them during this difficult time.

But I am blessed to belong to a church that is not afraid to step up and stand out during times like these. Hope Pres is currently sheltering 170+ people in their gym, and anticipating more will need this assistance in the coming days. So they are busy teaming up with other local churches to establish more shelters in order to house all the displaced people from Memphis and the surrounding areas. And as for me, I am currently trying to figure out how best I can offer myself and be of assistance.

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In the midst of all this, I also can't help but love the innocence of children. 

Because regardless of what is happening all around them, 

kids are able to view everything as an opportunity for discovery and fun.

And Sam was a great example of this in the last few days.

He made sure to take advantage of every possible moment he could be outside.
In our backyard.

Playing in ALL the mud puddles. 

And yes, there were many!

He's had to be hosed down quite a few times before coming back in the house.

And he's loved every single second of it.
And I've loved seeing my boy experience unbelievable joy in the simplest of things.
Like playing in mud puddles.

Our washer and dryer, on the other hand, had their work cut out of them.

But luckily, they've risen to the occasion.