the birds

The past couple of days have been kind of "bleh" around the Uebel house. I'm not going to list all the reasons why because complaining never got anybody anywhere so you'll just have to trust me on this one.

Anyways, around 1 o'clock today I was in a foul mood and typically what that means is the rest of my day is destined for ruin as well. I decided to take Sadie to Chick-Fil-A for lunch because 1) I didn't feel like heating anything up and 2) let's be honest, who doesn't feel a teensy bit happier after eating a box full of chicken nuggets. As we sit down, I start shredding Sadie's chicken into bite sized pieces and Sadie starts making friends with the couple beside us. Now normally I would encourage such behavior in my child but today was one of those days where I just wanted to sulk in my own misery and not care about anyone else (I'm a great example for my kid, I know, I know). Well, you probably already know who won that battle. I was forced into having a conversation with the couple, through gritted teeth mind you, and Sadie gained a couple new fans.

A few minutes after they left, Sadie proceeded to stare out the window, for what seemed like 20 minutes. Of course in my head I'm saying, "Geesh kid, can't you just hurry up and eat?" but I finally give in and turn to see what all the fuss is about. To my surprise, I see two seagulls circling the parking lot, looking for food I assume, and almost immediately I am repentant.

Here I am feeling terribly sorry for me, myself, and I and there's a whole world just beyond my fingertips longing for redemption. There are millions of people around the world hurting, suffering from things far worse than my little problems, and all I can think about is me. I let a few bad things steal my joy and I'd forgotten about the simple things in life that bring my one year old such joy. For her, those seagulls are incredible, almost mystical creatures that soar through a big blue sky of even more beauty.

She couldn't take her eyes off those birds after that. And believe it or not I was ok with that. I'm sure I'll sulk again one day, shoot maybe it'll even be tomorrow, but whenever the pity party strikes I pray it will be a little bit shorter than today's and I'll look up a little bit quicker.

P.S. I'm sorry random couple in Chick-Fil-A for being short with you. I'm glad my baby forces me to see Jesus when I need him and I hope she pointed you to him too.