Embracing Reality

Today, I'm having one of these days:

Coming back from vacation (hoping to do a post on that soon) is always hard for me.  The hours of relaxation always inspire me to come back and take my game to the next level.  I used to spend our car rides making lists of all the amazing things I would accomplish once I got home, refreshed and renewed.  I learned years ago that I was never able to follow through so I've quit making lists, but I still can't get away from the idea that once I get home things will be better. More productive. I will finish ALL the projects.  You know how it is.  

Then, reality sets in.

I need a vacation from the vacation.  Things get off to a slow start, but my mind is still dreaming of that new level I'm going to achieve.

For fun, let's take a look at how this plays out in my head, shall we?

I imagine our garden will look like this:

Reality:

I'll finally hang some artwork:

 Reality:

I'll finish repainting Kip's dresser:

Reality:

I will follow through on my commitment to keeping my laundry room neat:

Reality:

The front porch will be an oasis:

Reality:

Everything from the suitcases will magically get put away in beautiful, organized bins:

Reality:

We'll finish the home office we've been working on:

Reality: 

My children will be beautiful angels who cherish one another at all times:

 Reality:

This one teases... 

until this one cries.

 But then....

Sometimes I find beauty where I did not plan for it or work to make it grow.  Pure grace.  Not through any effort of mine.  Free gifts, if I will take the time to look for them and enjoy them.

Reality: